Timberwolves Enjoy Strong Start, Get Past Pistons
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Detroit Pistons, 119-100, at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday night.
The Timberwolves (22-47) had a disappointing season but are trending in the right direction down the stretch, and this win over the Pistons (20-50) means they've won six of their last nine contests, while the Pistons have now dropped seven of their last eight games. Minnesota got off to a strong start and quickly got the lead following a 30-20 score in the first quarter -- that was an advantage they'd never relinquish. The Timberwolves bolstered their lead even further with a 32-20 score in the second quarter and the Pistons already looked beaten by halftime. Even though Detroit showed minimal signs of life during the second half and taking into account that they won the final two quarters (25-24 and 35-33, respectively), the Timberwolves had a tight grip on the score and didn't have problems to walk away with the win here.
Karl-Anthony Towns had a strong game for the Timberwolves and finished with 28 points while also adding eight rebounds, five assists and three steals across 34 minutes. Anthony Edwards chipped in with 22 points, two rebounds and two assists, while the two-headed PG threat of D'Angelo Russell and Ricky Rubio looked efficient again -- Russell had 15 points with 10 assists, while Rubio added 19 points. Naz Reid added 13 points off the bench.
Saddiq Bey paced the Pistons' starters in scoring with 21 points and also grabbed four rebounds, while Killian Hayes had 13 points with seven assists and six rebounds. Sekou Doumbouya notched 12 points with eight boards, while Josh Jackson and Isaiah Stewart produced matching 11-point tallies. Saben Lee was the team's highest-scoring player with 22 points.
The Timberwolves (22-47) had a disappointing season but are trending in the right direction down the stretch, and this win over the Pistons (20-50) means they've won six of their last nine contests, while the Pistons have now dropped seven of their last eight games. Minnesota got off to a strong start and quickly got the lead following a 30-20 score in the first quarter -- that was an advantage they'd never relinquish. The Timberwolves bolstered their lead even further with a 32-20 score in the second quarter and the Pistons already looked beaten by halftime. Even though Detroit showed minimal signs of life during the second half and taking into account that they won the final two quarters (25-24 and 35-33, respectively), the Timberwolves had a tight grip on the score and didn't have problems to walk away with the win here.
Karl-Anthony Towns had a strong game for the Timberwolves and finished with 28 points while also adding eight rebounds, five assists and three steals across 34 minutes. Anthony Edwards chipped in with 22 points, two rebounds and two assists, while the two-headed PG threat of D'Angelo Russell and Ricky Rubio looked efficient again -- Russell had 15 points with 10 assists, while Rubio added 19 points. Naz Reid added 13 points off the bench.
Saddiq Bey paced the Pistons' starters in scoring with 21 points and also grabbed four rebounds, while Killian Hayes had 13 points with seven assists and six rebounds. Sekou Doumbouya notched 12 points with eight boards, while Josh Jackson and Isaiah Stewart produced matching 11-point tallies. Saben Lee was the team's highest-scoring player with 22 points.
Nuggets Edge Hornets, 117-112
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 117-112, at Spectrum Center on Tuesday night.
The Nuggets (45-24) entered the contest as clear road favorites, and they demonstrated why in a first quarter they emerged from with a 38-26 lead. However, the Hornets (33-36) surged right back before halftime, eliminating all but three points from their deficit before intermission. Ultimately, Denver held just a five-point edge going into the final period, and although Charlotte made several pushes late, the visitors were able to notch a hard-fought win.
Michael Porter, Jr. and Nikola Jokic co-led the Nuggets with 30 points while pulling down six and 11 rebounds, respectively. Aaron Gordon furnished 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. JaMychal Green delivered 11 points, three boards, two assists and one block.
Devonte' Graham paced the Hornets with 31 points, supplementing them with five assists and four rebounds. Terry Rozier supplied 21 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Cody Zeller and Jalen McDaniels produced matching 15-point tallies, with Zeller also recording 10 boards. P.J. Washington generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists, four steals and three blocks.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
The Nuggets (45-24) entered the contest as clear road favorites, and they demonstrated why in a first quarter they emerged from with a 38-26 lead. However, the Hornets (33-36) surged right back before halftime, eliminating all but three points from their deficit before intermission. Ultimately, Denver held just a five-point edge going into the final period, and although Charlotte made several pushes late, the visitors were able to notch a hard-fought win.
Michael Porter, Jr. and Nikola Jokic co-led the Nuggets with 30 points while pulling down six and 11 rebounds, respectively. Aaron Gordon furnished 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. JaMychal Green delivered 11 points, three boards, two assists and one block.
Devonte' Graham paced the Hornets with 31 points, supplementing them with five assists and four rebounds. Terry Rozier supplied 21 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Cody Zeller and Jalen McDaniels produced matching 15-point tallies, with Zeller also recording 10 boards. P.J. Washington generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists, four steals and three blocks.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
Heat Hold Off Late Rally To Defeat Celtics
The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics, 129-121, at TD Garden on Tuesday night.
The Heat (38-31) and the Celtics (35-34) played out what was a tight contest on paper, but the win for Miami was never in doubt given how the game happened. The first quarter ended with a 28-28 tie, but the Heat pulled away with a 34-28 score in the second quarter and never looked back. Miami also won the third quarter by a 31-23 score and while the Celtics attempted a late comeback in the fourth quarter, it was not enough. Boston won the final 12 minutes by a 42-36 score, but Miami held off when it mattered the most to come away with the victory. The Heat shot an excellent 59.3 percent from the floor and 53.3 percent from three-point range, while the Celtics also shot the ball well -- 52.3 percent from the field and 48.6 percent from deep.
Tyler Herro came off the bench to lead the Heat with 24 points in 35 minutes, but he was far from being the only reliable scoring option for Miami -- Bucan Robinson and Bam Adebayo each chipped in with 22 points, though Adebayo also added seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks to his stat line. Kendrick Nunn had 18 points, Jimmy Butler added 13, and Goran Dragic contributed 17 points off the bench.
Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker had excellent performances for the Celtics in this loss -- Tatum had 33 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Walker scored a team-high 36 points to go along with seven boards, four assists and a steal. Evan Fournier notched 20 points and eight assists, while Marcus Smart contributed 10 points and five dimes. No other Boston player scored in double digits, though.
The Heat (38-31) and the Celtics (35-34) played out what was a tight contest on paper, but the win for Miami was never in doubt given how the game happened. The first quarter ended with a 28-28 tie, but the Heat pulled away with a 34-28 score in the second quarter and never looked back. Miami also won the third quarter by a 31-23 score and while the Celtics attempted a late comeback in the fourth quarter, it was not enough. Boston won the final 12 minutes by a 42-36 score, but Miami held off when it mattered the most to come away with the victory. The Heat shot an excellent 59.3 percent from the floor and 53.3 percent from three-point range, while the Celtics also shot the ball well -- 52.3 percent from the field and 48.6 percent from deep.
Tyler Herro came off the bench to lead the Heat with 24 points in 35 minutes, but he was far from being the only reliable scoring option for Miami -- Bucan Robinson and Bam Adebayo each chipped in with 22 points, though Adebayo also added seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks to his stat line. Kendrick Nunn had 18 points, Jimmy Butler added 13, and Goran Dragic contributed 17 points off the bench.
Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker had excellent performances for the Celtics in this loss -- Tatum had 33 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Walker scored a team-high 36 points to go along with seven boards, four assists and a steal. Evan Fournier notched 20 points and eight assists, while Marcus Smart contributed 10 points and five dimes. No other Boston player scored in double digits, though.
Clippers Thump Raptors, 115-96
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 115-96, at Amalie Arena on Tuesday night.
The Clippers (46-23) had the advantage of facing an extremely short-handed Raptors (27-42) team that had already been officially eliminated from playoff contention, so it wasn't surprising to see the visitors jump out to a 27-19 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, Toronto played much better on the offensive end during the second, matching Los Angeles bucket for bucket to still trail by a manageable eight points at halftime. The tide changed for good in the third period, however, with the Clippers adding another six points to their advantage heading into the fourth quarter and mostly cruising to a comfortable win.
Kawhi Leonard and Terance Mann co-led the Clippers with matching 20-point tallies, with Leonard adding seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac posted an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one block. Marcus Morris poured in 14 points, while Rajon Rondo supplied 11 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal.
Chris Boucher paced the Raptors with 16 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Khem Birch provided 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and one block. Malachi Flynn registered 11 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Freddie Gillespie, Jalen Harris and DeAndre' Bembry posted matching 10-point tallies, with Gillespie also logging seven rebounds and three blocks.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night, while the Raptors travel to tangle with the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night as well.
The Clippers (46-23) had the advantage of facing an extremely short-handed Raptors (27-42) team that had already been officially eliminated from playoff contention, so it wasn't surprising to see the visitors jump out to a 27-19 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, Toronto played much better on the offensive end during the second, matching Los Angeles bucket for bucket to still trail by a manageable eight points at halftime. The tide changed for good in the third period, however, with the Clippers adding another six points to their advantage heading into the fourth quarter and mostly cruising to a comfortable win.
Kawhi Leonard and Terance Mann co-led the Clippers with matching 20-point tallies, with Leonard adding seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac posted an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one block. Marcus Morris poured in 14 points, while Rajon Rondo supplied 11 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal.
Chris Boucher paced the Raptors with 16 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Khem Birch provided 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and one block. Malachi Flynn registered 11 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Freddie Gillespie, Jalen Harris and DeAndre' Bembry posted matching 10-point tallies, with Gillespie also logging seven rebounds and three blocks.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday night, while the Raptors travel to tangle with the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night as well.
Nets Topple Bulls, 115-107
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Chicago Bulls, 115-107, at United Center on Tuesday night.
The Nets (45-24) checked into the contest looking to at minimum hold firm in their No. 2 spot, and they got off to an excellent start in that regard by putting up 64 points during a first half they emerged from with a 13-point lead. Brooklyn added another six points to its advantage during the third quarter to take a seemingly commanding edge, despite losing Kyrie Irving to an elbow to the head during the period. The Bulls (29-40) fought all the way back to get within six points with less than two minutes remaining before six free throws from the visitors clinched the win.
Kevin Durant led the Nets with 21 points, adding eight assists, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Joe Harris furnished 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bruce Brown generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that also three assists and one block. Jeff Green totaled 14 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Kyrie Irving and Blake Griffin posted matching 13-point tallies while handing out five and four assists, respectively. Mike James delivered 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Nicolas Claxton contributed a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 41 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Coby White furnished 16 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Nikola Vucevic posted a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included six assists. Lauri Markkanen poured in 11 points, while Daniel Theis finished with 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Nets return home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, while the Bulls host the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.
The Nets (45-24) checked into the contest looking to at minimum hold firm in their No. 2 spot, and they got off to an excellent start in that regard by putting up 64 points during a first half they emerged from with a 13-point lead. Brooklyn added another six points to its advantage during the third quarter to take a seemingly commanding edge, despite losing Kyrie Irving to an elbow to the head during the period. The Bulls (29-40) fought all the way back to get within six points with less than two minutes remaining before six free throws from the visitors clinched the win.
Kevin Durant led the Nets with 21 points, adding eight assists, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Joe Harris furnished 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bruce Brown generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that also three assists and one block. Jeff Green totaled 14 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Kyrie Irving and Blake Griffin posted matching 13-point tallies while handing out five and four assists, respectively. Mike James delivered 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Nicolas Claxton contributed a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 41 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Coby White furnished 16 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Nikola Vucevic posted a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included six assists. Lauri Markkanen poured in 11 points, while Daniel Theis finished with 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block.
The Nets return home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, while the Bulls host the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.
Pacers Rally For Comeback Win At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 103-94, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday evening.
The 76ers got out to a solid start with a, 33-26, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead up to 11 points, heading into the break. The Pacers picked up the defense in the third and held the Sixers to just 13 points in the quarter, while they managed to rally and tie the game at 75, heading into the final frame. The Sixers jumped ahead again early in the fourth, but the Pacers closed the contest on a, 22-7, run to secure the comeback win. This marks the second straight win for the Pacers, while it marks the end of an eight-game win streak for the 76ers.
Caris LeVert led the Pacers with 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Domantas Sabonis totaled 16 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds, while Doug McDermott totaled 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting. The Pacers shot 44 percent from the field, including 14-of-41 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tobias Harris led the Sixers with 27 points, five rebounds and three assists, in 34 minutes. Ben Simmons followed up with 20 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Seth Curry chipped in 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal. The 76ers shot 43 percent from the field, including 8-of-26 from long range.
The 76ers (47-22) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Thursday. The Pacers (33-36) play host to the Bucks on Thursday.
The 76ers got out to a solid start with a, 33-26, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead up to 11 points, heading into the break. The Pacers picked up the defense in the third and held the Sixers to just 13 points in the quarter, while they managed to rally and tie the game at 75, heading into the final frame. The Sixers jumped ahead again early in the fourth, but the Pacers closed the contest on a, 22-7, run to secure the comeback win. This marks the second straight win for the Pacers, while it marks the end of an eight-game win streak for the 76ers.
Caris LeVert led the Pacers with 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Domantas Sabonis totaled 16 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds, while Doug McDermott totaled 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting. The Pacers shot 44 percent from the field, including 14-of-41 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tobias Harris led the Sixers with 27 points, five rebounds and three assists, in 34 minutes. Ben Simmons followed up with 20 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Seth Curry chipped in 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal. The 76ers shot 43 percent from the field, including 8-of-26 from long range.
The 76ers (47-22) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Thursday. The Pacers (33-36) play host to the Bucks on Thursday.
Grizzlies Dominate Second Half For Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 133-104, at FedEx Forum on Tuesday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start as the Grizzlies held a one-point lead after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, while the Grizzlies pushed their lead to three points, by halftime. They came out much stronger than the Mavericks in the third and outscored the visitors by 11 points in the quarter, to take a 14-point advantage into the final frame. They kept the pressure on and pushed their lead to a game-high 29 points to close out the impressive home win. This marks the third straight win for the Grizzlies and the end of a four-game win streak for the Mavericks.
Ja Morant led the way for the Grizzlies with 24 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and a steal, in 29 minutes. Dillon Brooks followed up with 22 points, three steals, two rebounds and two assists, while John Konchar added 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. The Grizzlies shot 57 percent from the field, including 16-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Mavs with 19 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 27 minutes. Willie Cauley-Stein followed up with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jalen Brunson chipped in 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Mavericks shot 42 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from deep.
The Mavericks (40-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Wednesday. The Grizzlies (36-33) play host to the Kings on Thursday.
The contest got out to a tight start as the Grizzlies held a one-point lead after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, while the Grizzlies pushed their lead to three points, by halftime. They came out much stronger than the Mavericks in the third and outscored the visitors by 11 points in the quarter, to take a 14-point advantage into the final frame. They kept the pressure on and pushed their lead to a game-high 29 points to close out the impressive home win. This marks the third straight win for the Grizzlies and the end of a four-game win streak for the Mavericks.
Ja Morant led the way for the Grizzlies with 24 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and a steal, in 29 minutes. Dillon Brooks followed up with 22 points, three steals, two rebounds and two assists, while John Konchar added 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. The Grizzlies shot 57 percent from the field, including 16-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Mavs with 19 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 27 minutes. Willie Cauley-Stein followed up with 16 points and eight rebounds, while Jalen Brunson chipped in 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Mavericks shot 42 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from deep.
The Mavericks (40-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Wednesday. The Grizzlies (36-33) play host to the Kings on Thursday.
Bucks Defeat Magic, 114-102
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 114-102, at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday.
Milwaukee won this game in wire-to-wire fashion, leading 29-22 after the first quarter and carrying an 11-point lead into the half. Orlando never got within five points after that opening quarter. The Bucks ended up out-rebounding the Magic, 63-52. In addition, Milwaukee had 10 steals while winning the turnover battle, 12-9. They also outscored them in the paint, 56-44.
The Magic (21-48) were led by Cole Anthony, tallying 18 points and four rebounds. Moritz Wagner generated 17 points and 13 rebounds, Gary Harris had 14 points and two assists while Wendell Carter collected eight points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Chasson Randle led the bench with 12 points while R.J Hampton provided 11 points, four rebounds and five assists.
The Bucks (44-25) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and his 27 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Donte DiVincenzo amassed 19 points, two rebounds and two assists. Brook Lopez totaled 17 points and six rebounds. Jrue Holiday accumulated 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals while Bobby Portis led the bench with 10 points and 15 boards.
Both teams return to action on Thursday against playoff teams, with Milwaukee traveling to face the Indiana Pacers and Orlando staying on the road to play the Atlanta Hawks.
Milwaukee won this game in wire-to-wire fashion, leading 29-22 after the first quarter and carrying an 11-point lead into the half. Orlando never got within five points after that opening quarter. The Bucks ended up out-rebounding the Magic, 63-52. In addition, Milwaukee had 10 steals while winning the turnover battle, 12-9. They also outscored them in the paint, 56-44.
The Magic (21-48) were led by Cole Anthony, tallying 18 points and four rebounds. Moritz Wagner generated 17 points and 13 rebounds, Gary Harris had 14 points and two assists while Wendell Carter collected eight points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Chasson Randle led the bench with 12 points while R.J Hampton provided 11 points, four rebounds and five assists.
The Bucks (44-25) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and his 27 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Donte DiVincenzo amassed 19 points, two rebounds and two assists. Brook Lopez totaled 17 points and six rebounds. Jrue Holiday accumulated 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals while Bobby Portis led the bench with 10 points and 15 boards.
Both teams return to action on Thursday against playoff teams, with Milwaukee traveling to face the Indiana Pacers and Orlando staying on the road to play the Atlanta Hawks.
Warriors Rally For Impressive Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 122-116, at Chase Center on Tuesday evening.
The Suns got out to a strong start with a, 38-29, lead after one quarter. The Warriors picked up the pace in the second but could only trim the deficit by one, as they trailed, 66-58, at halftime. The contest stayed competitive through the third quarter, where once again, the Warriors were able to trim the deficit, making it a six-point game heading into the final frame. The Suns held the edge early the quarter, but the Warriors tied it up with about six minutes to go and outscored the visitors, 17-11, the rest of the way to close out their fourth straight win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Suns.
Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 38 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Stephen Curry followed up with 21 points, six assists, three rebounds and a steal, while Draymond Green totaled 11 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and four steals. The Warriors shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 34 points, seven rebounds and four assists, in 39 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 24 points, 10 assists, three rebounds, a steal and a block, while Jae Crowder added 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Suns shot 51 percent from the field, including 16-of-37 from long range.
The Suns (48-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Thursday. The Warriors (37-33) play host to the Pelicans on Friday.
The Suns got out to a strong start with a, 38-29, lead after one quarter. The Warriors picked up the pace in the second but could only trim the deficit by one, as they trailed, 66-58, at halftime. The contest stayed competitive through the third quarter, where once again, the Warriors were able to trim the deficit, making it a six-point game heading into the final frame. The Suns held the edge early the quarter, but the Warriors tied it up with about six minutes to go and outscored the visitors, 17-11, the rest of the way to close out their fourth straight win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Suns.
Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 38 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 39 minutes. Stephen Curry followed up with 21 points, six assists, three rebounds and a steal, while Draymond Green totaled 11 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and four steals. The Warriors shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 34 points, seven rebounds and four assists, in 39 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 24 points, 10 assists, three rebounds, a steal and a block, while Jae Crowder added 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Suns shot 51 percent from the field, including 16-of-37 from long range.
The Suns (48-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Thursday. The Warriors (37-33) play host to the Pelicans on Friday.
Lakers Defeat Knicks in OT, 101-99
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting New York Knicks in overtime, 101-99, at Staples Center on Tuesday.
There were 11 ties and 22 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime to determine a winner. In fact, neither team ever led by more than 10 points, with Talen Horton-Tucker hitting a game-winning three with 21 seconds remaining. The Lakers held the Knicks to 40 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range. Los Angeles also out-rebounded New York, 53-41, while out-assisting them, 31-19. They did that despite losing the turnover battle, 18-9.
The Knicks (38-31) were led by Julius Randle, tallying 31 points, eight rebounds and five assists. R.J. Barrett totaled eight points, four rebounds and two assists on 2-of-13 from the field. Derrick Rose led the bench with 27 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. No other player had more than nine points or two assists.
The Lakers (39-30) were led by Anthony Davis, collecting 20 points, six rebounds and four assists. Andre Drummond finished with 16 points, 18 rebounds and three assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope generated eight points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Kyle Kuzma led the bench with 23 points while Talen Horton-Tucker provided 13 points, five rebounds and 10 assists.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, playing host to the Houston Rockets. As for New York, they play host to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday for their next outing.
There were 11 ties and 22 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime to determine a winner. In fact, neither team ever led by more than 10 points, with Talen Horton-Tucker hitting a game-winning three with 21 seconds remaining. The Lakers held the Knicks to 40 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range. Los Angeles also out-rebounded New York, 53-41, while out-assisting them, 31-19. They did that despite losing the turnover battle, 18-9.
The Knicks (38-31) were led by Julius Randle, tallying 31 points, eight rebounds and five assists. R.J. Barrett totaled eight points, four rebounds and two assists on 2-of-13 from the field. Derrick Rose led the bench with 27 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals. No other player had more than nine points or two assists.
The Lakers (39-30) were led by Anthony Davis, collecting 20 points, six rebounds and four assists. Andre Drummond finished with 16 points, 18 rebounds and three assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope generated eight points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Kyle Kuzma led the bench with 23 points while Talen Horton-Tucker provided 13 points, five rebounds and 10 assists.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, playing host to the Houston Rockets. As for New York, they play host to the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday for their next outing.
Kings Defeat Thunder, 122-106
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 122-106, at Golden 1 Center on Tuesday.
While Oklahoma City got out to a 14-point lead in the second quarter, Sacramento rode a 41-18 third quarter to their blowout win. That made for a 42-point turnaround, with the Kings getting their lead up to 28 points at times in the fourth quarter. Sacramento ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding Oklahoma City to 46 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. In addition, the Kings recorded 13 steals while winning the turnover battle, 18-15.
The Thunder (21-49) were led by Kenrich Williams, tallying 20 points, two rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Darius Bazley accrued 18 points, five rebounds and five assists. Moses Brown had 10 points and 13 rebounds while Svi Mykhiliuk led the bench with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Kings (31-38) were led by Terence Davis, providing 27 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench. Delon Wright led the starters with 21 points, four rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Buddy Hield tallied 21 points, three rebounds and six assists while Maurice Harkless had 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
Sacramento returns to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. As for Oklahoma City, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Utah Jazz.
While Oklahoma City got out to a 14-point lead in the second quarter, Sacramento rode a 41-18 third quarter to their blowout win. That made for a 42-point turnaround, with the Kings getting their lead up to 28 points at times in the fourth quarter. Sacramento ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding Oklahoma City to 46 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. In addition, the Kings recorded 13 steals while winning the turnover battle, 18-15.
The Thunder (21-49) were led by Kenrich Williams, tallying 20 points, two rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Darius Bazley accrued 18 points, five rebounds and five assists. Moses Brown had 10 points and 13 rebounds while Svi Mykhiliuk led the bench with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Kings (31-38) were led by Terence Davis, providing 27 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench. Delon Wright led the starters with 21 points, four rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Buddy Hield tallied 21 points, three rebounds and six assists while Maurice Harkless had 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks.
Sacramento returns to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies. As for Oklahoma City, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Utah Jazz.