Hawks Come From Behind, Defeat Wizards
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Washington Wizards, 120-116, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (39-31) and the Wizards (32-38) played a tight contest Wednesday and it seemed as if the Wizards would pull the upset on the road, but the Hawks managed to complete a huge comeback in the fourth quarter to move one step closer towards reaching the 40-win plateau. The Hawks looked in control of the contest following the first quarter and raced out to a five-point lead (35-30), but Washington turned things around and flipped the script after winning the subsequent two quarters by margins of 29-21 and 32-27, respectively, pushing them to an eight-point advantage with only 12 minutes left on the clock. However, the Hawks recovered control of the game in the final minutes and completed a massive comeback after outscoring Washington by a 37-25 score in the final quarter.
Trae Young led the Hawks in this win and came close to posting a triple-double, as he finished with 33 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, while Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 20 points and three steals. Clint Capela had a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double and John Collins chipped in with 18 points and six boards. Onyeka Okongwu registered 11 points off the bench.
Russell Westbrook had 34 points and 15 assists to lead the Wizards in this loss, while Daniel Gafford contributed 16 points and four rebounds coming off the bench. Davis Bertans had 14 points off the bench, while Raul Neto also chipped in with 14 points while also adding two assists. Rui Hachimura notched 11 points, six rebounds and three assists. Garrison Mathews only posted three points while starting in place of Bradley Beal (hamstring).
The Hawks (39-31) and the Wizards (32-38) played a tight contest Wednesday and it seemed as if the Wizards would pull the upset on the road, but the Hawks managed to complete a huge comeback in the fourth quarter to move one step closer towards reaching the 40-win plateau. The Hawks looked in control of the contest following the first quarter and raced out to a five-point lead (35-30), but Washington turned things around and flipped the script after winning the subsequent two quarters by margins of 29-21 and 32-27, respectively, pushing them to an eight-point advantage with only 12 minutes left on the clock. However, the Hawks recovered control of the game in the final minutes and completed a massive comeback after outscoring Washington by a 37-25 score in the final quarter.
Trae Young led the Hawks in this win and came close to posting a triple-double, as he finished with 33 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, while Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 20 points and three steals. Clint Capela had a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double and John Collins chipped in with 18 points and six boards. Onyeka Okongwu registered 11 points off the bench.
Russell Westbrook had 34 points and 15 assists to lead the Wizards in this loss, while Daniel Gafford contributed 16 points and four rebounds coming off the bench. Davis Bertans had 14 points off the bench, while Raul Neto also chipped in with 14 points while also adding two assists. Rui Hachimura notched 11 points, six rebounds and three assists. Garrison Mathews only posted three points while starting in place of Bradley Beal (hamstring).
Cavaliers Topple Celtics, 102-94
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics, 102-94, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (35-35) were naturally the only one of the two clubs with anything to play for Wednesday in terms of postseason positioning, but it would have been difficult to tell during a first quarter in which the Cavaliers (23-48) outscored them by a 22-17 margin. Boston was able to make a two-point inroad into its deficit before halftime and then actually took their own two-point edge into the final period. However, a 16-5 run by Cleveland over the first six minutes-plus of the final period gave the home squad a lead it wouldn't relinquish.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Payton Pritchard and Evan Fournier furnished 15 points each while pulling down seven and four rebounds, respectively. Tristan Thompson totaled 10 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
Kevin Love paced the Cavaliers with a 30-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two steals. Collin Sexton supplied 28 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one block. Isaac Okoro registered 15 points, six rebounds, six assists and one block.
The Celtics remain on the road and tangle with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, while the visit the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
The Celtics (35-35) were naturally the only one of the two clubs with anything to play for Wednesday in terms of postseason positioning, but it would have been difficult to tell during a first quarter in which the Cavaliers (23-48) outscored them by a 22-17 margin. Boston was able to make a two-point inroad into its deficit before halftime and then actually took their own two-point edge into the final period. However, a 16-5 run by Cleveland over the first six minutes-plus of the final period gave the home squad a lead it wouldn't relinquish.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Payton Pritchard and Evan Fournier furnished 15 points each while pulling down seven and four rebounds, respectively. Tristan Thompson totaled 10 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
Kevin Love paced the Cavaliers with a 30-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two steals. Collin Sexton supplied 28 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one block. Isaac Okoro registered 15 points, six rebounds, six assists and one block.
The Celtics remain on the road and tangle with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, while the visit the Washington Wizards on Friday night.
Nets Close Out Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 128-116, at Barclays Center on Wednesday evening.
The Nets got out to a great start with a, 35-20, lead after one quarter. The Spurs bounced back in the second and rallied to make it a two-point game halfway through the quarter, but the Nets brought it back to a six-point game heading into the break. The Nets stayed strong in the third and pushed their lead up to 15 points, heading into the final frame. The Spurs kept up the fight in the fourth, but they could not make any significant progress, as the Nets held on for their third straight win.
Eight players scored in double digits for the Nets, led by Landry Shamet, who totaled 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting. James Harden totaled 18 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Bruce Brown finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and a block. The Nets shot 60 percent from the field, including 12-of-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 21 points, five assists, two rebounds and a steal, in 29 minutes. Dejounte Murray added 15 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Patty Mills chipped in 15 points on 4-of-9 shooting. The Spurs shot 42 percent from the field, including 8-of-31 from long range.
The Spurs (33-36) will look to bounce back as they take on the Knicks in New York on Thursday. The Nets (46-24) play host to the Bulls on Saturday.
The Nets got out to a great start with a, 35-20, lead after one quarter. The Spurs bounced back in the second and rallied to make it a two-point game halfway through the quarter, but the Nets brought it back to a six-point game heading into the break. The Nets stayed strong in the third and pushed their lead up to 15 points, heading into the final frame. The Spurs kept up the fight in the fourth, but they could not make any significant progress, as the Nets held on for their third straight win.
Eight players scored in double digits for the Nets, led by Landry Shamet, who totaled 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting. James Harden totaled 18 points, 11 assists, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Bruce Brown finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and a block. The Nets shot 60 percent from the field, including 12-of-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 21 points, five assists, two rebounds and a steal, in 29 minutes. Dejounte Murray added 15 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Patty Mills chipped in 15 points on 4-of-9 shooting. The Spurs shot 42 percent from the field, including 8-of-31 from long range.
The Spurs (33-36) will look to bounce back as they take on the Knicks in New York on Thursday. The Nets (46-24) play host to the Bulls on Saturday.
Mavs Dominant In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 125-107, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start as the Mavs led by two points after one quarter. The Mavs turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the visitors, 45-28, to take a 19-point lead into halftime. They kept the pressure on in the third and took total control by outscoring the Pelicans by 12 points in the quarter, pushing it to a 31-point game heading into the final frame. The Pelicans managed to outscore the hosts by 13 points in the fourth, but it was much too little, too late, as the Mavs closed out the home win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Pelicans.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 33 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, in 31 minutes. Tim Hardaway Jr. followed up with 27 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Kristaps Porzingis added 19 points, five rebounds and a steal. The Mavs shot 49 percent from the field, including 15-of-45 from deep.
Meanwhile, seven players scored in double digits for the Pelicans, led by Eric Bledsoe and Jaxon Hayes, who totaled 15 points each. Willy Hernangomez added 12 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 13 points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal. The Pelicans shot 41 percent from the field, including 7-of-28 from long range.
The Pelicans (31-39) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Friday. The Mavericks (41-29) play host to the Raptors on Friday.
The contest got out to a tight start as the Mavs led by two points after one quarter. The Mavs turned it up a notch in the second and outscored the visitors, 45-28, to take a 19-point lead into halftime. They kept the pressure on in the third and took total control by outscoring the Pelicans by 12 points in the quarter, pushing it to a 31-point game heading into the final frame. The Pelicans managed to outscore the hosts by 13 points in the fourth, but it was much too little, too late, as the Mavs closed out the home win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Pelicans.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 33 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, in 31 minutes. Tim Hardaway Jr. followed up with 27 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Kristaps Porzingis added 19 points, five rebounds and a steal. The Mavs shot 49 percent from the field, including 15-of-45 from deep.
Meanwhile, seven players scored in double digits for the Pelicans, led by Eric Bledsoe and Jaxon Hayes, who totaled 15 points each. Willy Hernangomez added 12 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 13 points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal. The Pelicans shot 41 percent from the field, including 7-of-28 from long range.
The Pelicans (31-39) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Friday. The Mavericks (41-29) play host to the Raptors on Friday.
Trail Blazers Defeat Jazz, 105-98
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the host Utah Jazz, 105-98, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday.
While Utah got out to a 12-point lead in the first quarter, Portland rode a 35-25 second quarter to their comeback victory. In fact, the Trail Blazers held the lead for the entirety of the second half after that, getting their lead up to 16 points at times in the fourth quarter. Portland ended up shooting 44 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding Utah to 41 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. The Trail Blazers also won the turnover battle, 10-5.
The Trail Blazers (41-29) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 30 points, two rebounds and six assists. C.J. McCollum totaled 26 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jusuf Nurkic collected 11 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, three steals and three blocks. Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 18 points and two rebounds.
The Jazz (50-20) were led by Jordan Clarkson, who provided 29 points, four rebounds and three assists off the bench. Rudy Gobert amassed 15 points, 20 rebounds and two assists. Joe Ingles accumulated 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. Bojan Bogdanovic had 12 points and four rebounds. George Niang was the only other player in double figures, dropping 11 points.
Portland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, traveling to face the Phoenix Suns. As for Utah, they play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday for their next outing.
While Utah got out to a 12-point lead in the first quarter, Portland rode a 35-25 second quarter to their comeback victory. In fact, the Trail Blazers held the lead for the entirety of the second half after that, getting their lead up to 16 points at times in the fourth quarter. Portland ended up shooting 44 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding Utah to 41 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. The Trail Blazers also won the turnover battle, 10-5.
The Trail Blazers (41-29) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 30 points, two rebounds and six assists. C.J. McCollum totaled 26 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jusuf Nurkic collected 11 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, three steals and three blocks. Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 18 points and two rebounds.
The Jazz (50-20) were led by Jordan Clarkson, who provided 29 points, four rebounds and three assists off the bench. Rudy Gobert amassed 15 points, 20 rebounds and two assists. Joe Ingles accumulated 14 points, four rebounds and four assists. Bojan Bogdanovic had 12 points and four rebounds. George Niang was the only other player in double figures, dropping 11 points.
Portland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Thursday, traveling to face the Phoenix Suns. As for Utah, they play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday for their next outing.
Lakers Defeat Rockets, 124-122
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 124-122, at Staples Center on Wednesday.
There were nine ties and eight lead changes in this game, with neither team ever leading by more than 12 points. There were actually two lead changes in the final 23 seconds, with Kyle Kuzma hitting a game-winning runner for the Lakers. Los Angeles ended up shooting 57 percent from the field while Houston hit 51 percent of their shots. In addition, the Lakers won the turnover battle, 15-11. They really dominated down low though, outscoring the Rockets in the paint, 86-50.
The Rockets (16-54) were led by Kelly Olynyk and his 24 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Armoni Brooks also had 24 points, providing six rebounds as well to lead the bench. Kenyon Martin Jr collected 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Jae'Sean Tate compiled 16 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Lakers (40-30) played this game without LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroder but were led by Talen Horton-Tucker, tallying 23 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Andre Drummond had 21 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Markieff Morris accrued 14 points, four rebounds and four assists while Kuzma led the bench with 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
On deck for Houston is a home matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. As for Los Angeles, they play the Indiana Pacers on Saturday for their next outing.
There were nine ties and eight lead changes in this game, with neither team ever leading by more than 12 points. There were actually two lead changes in the final 23 seconds, with Kyle Kuzma hitting a game-winning runner for the Lakers. Los Angeles ended up shooting 57 percent from the field while Houston hit 51 percent of their shots. In addition, the Lakers won the turnover battle, 15-11. They really dominated down low though, outscoring the Rockets in the paint, 86-50.
The Rockets (16-54) were led by Kelly Olynyk and his 24 points, six rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Armoni Brooks also had 24 points, providing six rebounds as well to lead the bench. Kenyon Martin Jr collected 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Jae'Sean Tate compiled 16 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Lakers (40-30) played this game without LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroder but were led by Talen Horton-Tucker, tallying 23 points, two rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Andre Drummond had 21 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Markieff Morris accrued 14 points, four rebounds and four assists while Kuzma led the bench with 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
On deck for Houston is a home matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday. As for Los Angeles, they play the Indiana Pacers on Saturday for their next outing.