Bucks Control Pacers, Win With Ease
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Indiana Pacers, 142-133, at Bankers Life FieldHouse on Thursday evening.
The Bucks (45-25) and the Pacers (33-37) played what seemed to be a tight contest in the first two quarters, but the Bucks pulled away for good in the second half and didn't have problems coming away with the win. Milwaukee grabbed a one-point lead in the first quarter (39-38) and kept increasing the lead by the second quarter (30-28), though the Pacers did a good job of keeping the game close. However, the Bucks dominated the third quarter and outscored the Pacers by 10 points in the third quarter (40-30) and that differential was just too much for Indiana to overcome. The Pacers won the final 12 minutes by a four-point margin (37-33), but that was not enough to pull the comeback and the Bucks won with ease, reaching their 45th win of the season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the biggest star of the game and delivered a 40-point performance while also adding 15 rebounds and six assists. Khris Middleton recorded 22 points and six assists, but he also chipped in with four rebounds and two steals. Brook Lopez mustered 21 points and eight boards, while Jrue Holiday posted a strong double-double of 20 points and 14 assists. Bobby Portis notched 12 points off the bench.
Eight of the nine Indiana players that saw the floor ended with 10 or more points, with Justin Holiday leading the way with 26 points, five rebounds and five assists. T.J. McConnell also filled the stat sheet with 23 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. Oshae Brissett and Doug McDermott each had 19 points. Domantas Sabonis notched 10 points while adding 14 assists.
The Bucks (45-25) and the Pacers (33-37) played what seemed to be a tight contest in the first two quarters, but the Bucks pulled away for good in the second half and didn't have problems coming away with the win. Milwaukee grabbed a one-point lead in the first quarter (39-38) and kept increasing the lead by the second quarter (30-28), though the Pacers did a good job of keeping the game close. However, the Bucks dominated the third quarter and outscored the Pacers by 10 points in the third quarter (40-30) and that differential was just too much for Indiana to overcome. The Pacers won the final 12 minutes by a four-point margin (37-33), but that was not enough to pull the comeback and the Bucks won with ease, reaching their 45th win of the season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the biggest star of the game and delivered a 40-point performance while also adding 15 rebounds and six assists. Khris Middleton recorded 22 points and six assists, but he also chipped in with four rebounds and two steals. Brook Lopez mustered 21 points and eight boards, while Jrue Holiday posted a strong double-double of 20 points and 14 assists. Bobby Portis notched 12 points off the bench.
Eight of the nine Indiana players that saw the floor ended with 10 or more points, with Justin Holiday leading the way with 26 points, five rebounds and five assists. T.J. McConnell also filled the stat sheet with 23 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. Oshae Brissett and Doug McDermott each had 19 points. Domantas Sabonis notched 10 points while adding 14 assists.
Clippers Topple Hornets, 113-90
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 113-90, at Spectrum Center on Thursday night.
The Clippers (47-23) came into Thursday with incentive to keep winning in order to hold on to the No. 3 seed, but the Hornets (33-37) were looking to preserve their No. 8 spot in their own right. The two incentivized squads played a rollercoaster first half that saw Charlotte erase an eight-point first-quarter deficit and build a three-point halftime lead. However, Los Angeles came out of intermission hot and never let up, The visitors would go on to rack up 69 second-half points while limiting the home squad to just 43, including 13 in the final 12 minutes.
Paul George led the Clippers with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included six assists and one steal. Reggie Jackson provided 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Kawhi Leonard turned in 16 points, nine assists. three rebounds and one steal. Marcus Morris poured in 15 points. Ivica Zubac mustered eight points, 11 rebounds, one assist and two blocks.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with 18 points, supplementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Bismack Biyombo delivered 13 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Jalen McDaniels, Terry Rozier and Cody Zeller all generated matching 10-point tallies, with Rozier also dishing out five assists and Zeller pulling down six rebounds.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Houston Rockets on Friday night, while the Hornets hit the road and visit the New York Knicks on Saturday afternoon.
The Clippers (47-23) came into Thursday with incentive to keep winning in order to hold on to the No. 3 seed, but the Hornets (33-37) were looking to preserve their No. 8 spot in their own right. The two incentivized squads played a rollercoaster first half that saw Charlotte erase an eight-point first-quarter deficit and build a three-point halftime lead. However, Los Angeles came out of intermission hot and never let up, The visitors would go on to rack up 69 second-half points while limiting the home squad to just 43, including 13 in the final 12 minutes.
Paul George led the Clippers with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included six assists and one steal. Reggie Jackson provided 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and one block. Kawhi Leonard turned in 16 points, nine assists. three rebounds and one steal. Marcus Morris poured in 15 points. Ivica Zubac mustered eight points, 11 rebounds, one assist and two blocks.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with 18 points, supplementing them with seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Bismack Biyombo delivered 13 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Jalen McDaniels, Terry Rozier and Cody Zeller all generated matching 10-point tallies, with Rozier also dishing out five assists and Zeller pulling down six rebounds.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Houston Rockets on Friday night, while the Hornets hit the road and visit the New York Knicks on Saturday afternoon.
Hawks Dominate In Easy Win Over Magic
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic, 116-93, at State Farm Arena on Thursday evening.
The Hawks (40-31) finally reached the 40th win of the season and accomplish that feat in dominant fashion, winning against the Magic in dominant fashion after cruising the game from start to finish and making easy work of a struggling Magic (21-49) team that's already thinking about next season. Atlanta quickly jumped out to a 29-16 lead following the first quarter and that would set the tone of the game the rest of the way, but Orlando was never able to put up any sort of fight. The Hawks won the remaining three quarters as well, winning the second quarter by a 32-25 score and essentially ending the game with 24 minutes left on the clock. Atlanta won the second half by a three-point margin (32-30 and 23-22 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively), and they delivered one of their most dominant performances of the campaign with only two games left in the regular season.
Bogdan Bogdanovic carried the Hawks offensively with 27 points and five assists, while Trae Young notched 18 points and seven assists. Clint Capela had a strong 14-point, 14-rebound double-double, while John Collins ended with 12 points and six rebounds. Kevin Huerter had 10 points coming off the bench, while Danilo Gallinari added 10 points. Atlanta shot 43.6 percent from the field.
Only four Magic players scored in double digits and R.J. Hampton was the leading scorer, as he finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists coming off the bench. Wendell Carter Jr. and Cole Anthony recorded matching 12-point tallies, with Carter putting up 11 boards, while Anthony also added seven rebounds with six assists. Donta Hall delivered 11 points coming off the bench. The Magic shot a meager 38.3 percent from the field.
The Hawks (40-31) finally reached the 40th win of the season and accomplish that feat in dominant fashion, winning against the Magic in dominant fashion after cruising the game from start to finish and making easy work of a struggling Magic (21-49) team that's already thinking about next season. Atlanta quickly jumped out to a 29-16 lead following the first quarter and that would set the tone of the game the rest of the way, but Orlando was never able to put up any sort of fight. The Hawks won the remaining three quarters as well, winning the second quarter by a 32-25 score and essentially ending the game with 24 minutes left on the clock. Atlanta won the second half by a three-point margin (32-30 and 23-22 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively), and they delivered one of their most dominant performances of the campaign with only two games left in the regular season.
Bogdan Bogdanovic carried the Hawks offensively with 27 points and five assists, while Trae Young notched 18 points and seven assists. Clint Capela had a strong 14-point, 14-rebound double-double, while John Collins ended with 12 points and six rebounds. Kevin Huerter had 10 points coming off the bench, while Danilo Gallinari added 10 points. Atlanta shot 43.6 percent from the field.
Only four Magic players scored in double digits and R.J. Hampton was the leading scorer, as he finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists coming off the bench. Wendell Carter Jr. and Cole Anthony recorded matching 12-point tallies, with Carter putting up 11 boards, while Anthony also added seven rebounds with six assists. Donta Hall delivered 11 points coming off the bench. The Magic shot a meager 38.3 percent from the field.
Heat Stays Hot, Throttles 76ers, 106-94
The Miami Heat defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 106-94, at American Airlines Arena on Thursday night.
Both teams had playoff positioning to play for Thursday, but it was the host Heat (39-31) who looked to have the greater degree of motivation while jumping out to a 16-point first-quarter lead that they'd extended to 19 by halftime. Miami then ensured there'd be no third-quarter boost for the 76ers (47-23) by adding another three points to its advantage, leading to the easy win even with Philadelphia making the final score a bit closer during the final 12 minutes.
Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 21 points, adding four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Shake Milton registered 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Danny Green supplied 11 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. Joel Embiid, who'd been questionable with an illness, mustered just six points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals over 25 minutes.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 21 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo generated an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and one block. Tyler Herro matched Adebayo's scoring and also compiled six rebounds and two assists. Goran Dragic delivered 15 points, six assists and three rebounds. Kendrick Nunn furnished 13 points, two rebounds and one block. Trevor Ariza went for 10 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
The 76ers return home to host the Orlando Magic on Friday night, while the Heat hit the road and pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.
Both teams had playoff positioning to play for Thursday, but it was the host Heat (39-31) who looked to have the greater degree of motivation while jumping out to a 16-point first-quarter lead that they'd extended to 19 by halftime. Miami then ensured there'd be no third-quarter boost for the 76ers (47-23) by adding another three points to its advantage, leading to the easy win even with Philadelphia making the final score a bit closer during the final 12 minutes.
Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 21 points, adding four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Shake Milton registered 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Danny Green supplied 11 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. Joel Embiid, who'd been questionable with an illness, mustered just six points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals over 25 minutes.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 21 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo generated an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included eight assists and one block. Tyler Herro matched Adebayo's scoring and also compiled six rebounds and two assists. Goran Dragic delivered 15 points, six assists and three rebounds. Kendrick Nunn furnished 13 points, two rebounds and one block. Trevor Ariza went for 10 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block.
The 76ers return home to host the Orlando Magic on Friday night, while the Heat hit the road and pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.
Knicks Come Up Clutch At Home
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 102-98, at Madison Square Garden on Thursday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start as the Knicks led, 20-18, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, where the Knicks managed to add one more point to their advantage, by halftime. The Spurs came out much stronger in the third and jumped to a quick 10-point lead, but the Knicks rallied back to make it a four-point game heading into the final frame. The Knicks carried the momentum into the fourth and tied it up early in the quarter. The score stayed close the rest of the way, but the Knicks came up clutch to close out the impressive home win.
Alec Burks led the Knicks with 30 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block, in 34 minutes off the bench. Julius Randle followed up with 25 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and a steal, while R.J. Barrett added 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Knicks shot 40 percent from the field, including 14-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 27 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 14 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, while Keldon Johnson chipped in 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 41 percent from the field, including 6-of-21 from long range.
The Spurs (33-37) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Saturday. The Knicks (39-31) play host to the Hornets on Saturday.
The contest got out to a tight start as the Knicks led, 20-18, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, where the Knicks managed to add one more point to their advantage, by halftime. The Spurs came out much stronger in the third and jumped to a quick 10-point lead, but the Knicks rallied back to make it a four-point game heading into the final frame. The Knicks carried the momentum into the fourth and tied it up early in the quarter. The score stayed close the rest of the way, but the Knicks came up clutch to close out the impressive home win.
Alec Burks led the Knicks with 30 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block, in 34 minutes off the bench. Julius Randle followed up with 25 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and a steal, while R.J. Barrett added 24 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Knicks shot 40 percent from the field, including 14-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 27 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Dejounte Murray followed up with 14 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, while Keldon Johnson chipped in 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 41 percent from the field, including 6-of-21 from long range.
The Spurs (33-37) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Saturday. The Knicks (39-31) play host to the Hornets on Saturday.
Bulls Close Out Hard-Fought Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 114-102, at United Center on Thursday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Bulls led, 30-27, after one quarter. The Bulls took it up a notch in the second, where they outscored the visitors by 16, to take a 19-point lead into the break. The Raptors came out stronger in the third and managed to trim it to a 12-point game, heading into the final frame. The Raptors kept up the fight down the stretch, but the Bulls held the edge the rest of the way and closed out the home win, while this marks the fifth straight loss for the Raptors.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 24 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 34 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 16 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. The Bulls shot 54 percent from the field, including 17-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Stanley Johnson led the Raptors with 35 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 43 minutes. Jalen Harris followed up with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, while Malachi Flynn added 16 points, seven assists, four rebounds and a steal. The Raptors shot 44 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from deep.
The Raptors (27-43) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavs in Dallas on Friday. The Bulls (30-40) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Saturday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Bulls led, 30-27, after one quarter. The Bulls took it up a notch in the second, where they outscored the visitors by 16, to take a 19-point lead into the break. The Raptors came out stronger in the third and managed to trim it to a 12-point game, heading into the final frame. The Raptors kept up the fight down the stretch, but the Bulls held the edge the rest of the way and closed out the home win, while this marks the fifth straight loss for the Raptors.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 24 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 34 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 16 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. The Bulls shot 54 percent from the field, including 17-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Stanley Johnson led the Raptors with 35 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 43 minutes. Jalen Harris followed up with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, while Malachi Flynn added 16 points, seven assists, four rebounds and a steal. The Raptors shot 44 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from deep.
The Raptors (27-43) will look to bounce back as they take on the Mavs in Dallas on Friday. The Bulls (30-40) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Saturday.
Nuggets Defeat T'Wolves, 114-103
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 114-103, at Target Center on Thursday.
While there were three lead changes and four ties in the first quarter, Denver never relinquished the lead after that. That can be attributed to the Nuggets outscoring the T'Wolves in that opening quarter, 35-26. Denver ended up out-assisting Minnesota, 30-20, while out-rebounding them, 53-43. The Nuggets also won the turnover battle, 15-12.
The Nuggets (46-24) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 31 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 15 points, three rebounds and four assists. JaVale McGee started and generated 12 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. Austin Rivers had 12 points and four rebounds while Facundo Campazzo accrued six points and nine assists.
The Timberwolves (22-48) were led by Anthony Edwards and his 29 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns accumulated 20 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. D'Angelo Russell compiled 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. Ricky Rubio collected six points, six rebounds and five assists.
Denver has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Friday, facing the Detroit Pistons on the road. As for Minnesota, they host the Boston Celtics on Saturday for their next outing.
While there were three lead changes and four ties in the first quarter, Denver never relinquished the lead after that. That can be attributed to the Nuggets outscoring the T'Wolves in that opening quarter, 35-26. Denver ended up out-assisting Minnesota, 30-20, while out-rebounding them, 53-43. The Nuggets also won the turnover battle, 15-12.
The Nuggets (46-24) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 31 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 15 points, three rebounds and four assists. JaVale McGee started and generated 12 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. Austin Rivers had 12 points and four rebounds while Facundo Campazzo accrued six points and nine assists.
The Timberwolves (22-48) were led by Anthony Edwards and his 29 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Karl-Anthony Towns accumulated 20 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. D'Angelo Russell compiled 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. Ricky Rubio collected six points, six rebounds and five assists.
Denver has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Friday, facing the Detroit Pistons on the road. As for Minnesota, they host the Boston Celtics on Saturday for their next outing.
Grizzlies Defeat Kings, 116-110
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 116-110, at FedEx Forum on Thursday.
There were 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team ever leading by more than eight points. In fact, the Grizzlies finished the game on a 23-10 run across the final seven minutes of play. Memphis ended up shooting 50 percent from the field and 83 percent from the free-throw line while holding Sacramento to 44 percent from the field and 64 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, the Grizzlies outscored the Kings in the paint, 66-46, while outscoring their starters by 38 points.
The Kings (31-39) were led by Justin James, tallying 31 points, four rebounds and two assists on 12-of-17 from the field off the bench. Chimezie Metu amassed 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. Buddy Hield accrued 16 points, four rebounds and six assists. Delon Wright totaled 15 points, four rebounds and eight assists.
The Grizzlies (37-33) were led by Dillon Brooks, finished with 30 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jonas Valanciunas generated 24 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. Kyle Anderson accumulated 14 points, five rebounds and nine assists. Ja Morant compiled 12 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
These teams will have a rematch on Friday for their next outing.
There were 11 lead changes in this game, with neither team ever leading by more than eight points. In fact, the Grizzlies finished the game on a 23-10 run across the final seven minutes of play. Memphis ended up shooting 50 percent from the field and 83 percent from the free-throw line while holding Sacramento to 44 percent from the field and 64 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, the Grizzlies outscored the Kings in the paint, 66-46, while outscoring their starters by 38 points.
The Kings (31-39) were led by Justin James, tallying 31 points, four rebounds and two assists on 12-of-17 from the field off the bench. Chimezie Metu amassed 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. Buddy Hield accrued 16 points, four rebounds and six assists. Delon Wright totaled 15 points, four rebounds and eight assists.
The Grizzlies (37-33) were led by Dillon Brooks, finished with 30 points, six rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jonas Valanciunas generated 24 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. Kyle Anderson accumulated 14 points, five rebounds and nine assists. Ja Morant compiled 12 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
These teams will have a rematch on Friday for their next outing.
Suns Defeat Trail Blazers, 118-117
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 118-117, at Phoenix Suns Arena on Thursday.
There were 17 ties and 24 lead changes in this closely fought battle, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. In fact, the Suns scored the final four points at the free throw line in the closing 30 seconds to prevail. Phoenix ended up out-rebounding Portland on the offensive end, 10-1, outscoring them in second-chance points, 17-4. In addition, the Trail Blazers bench outscored the Suns bench, 31-14.
The Trail Blazers (41-30) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 41 points, five rebounds and five assists on 15-of-23 from the field. C.J. McCollum had 27 points and six assists. Robert Covington generated 16 points, four rebounds and four assists but missed two critical free throws in the final seconds. Norman Powell accrued 12 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Suns (49-21) were led by Chris Paul and his 26 points and seven assists on 11-of-14 from the field. Mikal Bridges compiled 21 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Devin Booker accumulated 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. Cameron Payne led the bench with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists on 8-of-12 shooting.
Phoenix will play their next game on Saturday when they travel to face the San Antonio Spurs. As for Portland, they play their final game of the season on Sunday versus the Denver Nuggets.
There were 17 ties and 24 lead changes in this closely fought battle, with neither team leading by more than 10 points. In fact, the Suns scored the final four points at the free throw line in the closing 30 seconds to prevail. Phoenix ended up out-rebounding Portland on the offensive end, 10-1, outscoring them in second-chance points, 17-4. In addition, the Trail Blazers bench outscored the Suns bench, 31-14.
The Trail Blazers (41-30) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 41 points, five rebounds and five assists on 15-of-23 from the field. C.J. McCollum had 27 points and six assists. Robert Covington generated 16 points, four rebounds and four assists but missed two critical free throws in the final seconds. Norman Powell accrued 12 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Suns (49-21) were led by Chris Paul and his 26 points and seven assists on 11-of-14 from the field. Mikal Bridges compiled 21 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Devin Booker accumulated 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. Cameron Payne led the bench with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists on 8-of-12 shooting.
Phoenix will play their next game on Saturday when they travel to face the San Antonio Spurs. As for Portland, they play their final game of the season on Sunday versus the Denver Nuggets.