Hornets Improve To 2-0 With Win Over Cavaliers
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 123-112, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday evening.
The Hornets (2-0) improved to 2-0 behind another strong performance to take care of a Cavaliers (0-2) team that struggled massively when it comes to their three-point shooting. While both teams shot over 50 percent from the field (Charlotte: 52.7 percent and Cleveland: 51.2 percent), the big difference was noticeable on each team's outside shooting -- Charlotte made 40.6 of their three-point attempts and Cleveland only drained 29 percent of those shots. The Hornets had to come from behind in this one, as the Cavaliers raced out to a 30-27 lead following the first quarter and extended that advantage to five points at the break (59-54), but the Hornets responded with a 36-30 score in the third quarter that gave them a one-point edge. The Hornets would eventually close things out in the fourth, outscoring their rivals by ten points (33-23) to keep their undefeated start to the season alive. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are still looking for their first win of the year.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets in this one after scoring 30 points, but he also added seven rebounds and three steals. LaMelo Ball had a strong game as well, putting up 17 points to go along with six assists, three rebounds and a team-high five steals. Gordon Hayward notched 18 points and a team-best nine dimes, while Mason Plumlee pulled down 14 rebounds. Terry Rozier only played 23 minutes and logged six points. Kelly Oubre Jr. mustered 25 points off the bench.
Collin Sexton had 33 points to lead a Cavaliers team that saw all their starters scoring in double digits. Ricky Rubio had 15 points and 10 assists, while Evan Mobley and Lauri Markkanen each contributed 13 points. Jarrett Allen, who has missed just one shot this season, had 11 points and four rebounds.
The Hornets (2-0) improved to 2-0 behind another strong performance to take care of a Cavaliers (0-2) team that struggled massively when it comes to their three-point shooting. While both teams shot over 50 percent from the field (Charlotte: 52.7 percent and Cleveland: 51.2 percent), the big difference was noticeable on each team's outside shooting -- Charlotte made 40.6 of their three-point attempts and Cleveland only drained 29 percent of those shots. The Hornets had to come from behind in this one, as the Cavaliers raced out to a 30-27 lead following the first quarter and extended that advantage to five points at the break (59-54), but the Hornets responded with a 36-30 score in the third quarter that gave them a one-point edge. The Hornets would eventually close things out in the fourth, outscoring their rivals by ten points (33-23) to keep their undefeated start to the season alive. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are still looking for their first win of the year.
Miles Bridges led the Hornets in this one after scoring 30 points, but he also added seven rebounds and three steals. LaMelo Ball had a strong game as well, putting up 17 points to go along with six assists, three rebounds and a team-high five steals. Gordon Hayward notched 18 points and a team-best nine dimes, while Mason Plumlee pulled down 14 rebounds. Terry Rozier only played 23 minutes and logged six points. Kelly Oubre Jr. mustered 25 points off the bench.
Collin Sexton had 33 points to lead a Cavaliers team that saw all their starters scoring in double digits. Ricky Rubio had 15 points and 10 assists, while Evan Mobley and Lauri Markkanen each contributed 13 points. Jarrett Allen, who has missed just one shot this season, had 11 points and four rebounds.
Knicks Dominate Magic, 121-96
The New York Knicks defeated the Orlando Magic, 121-96, at Amway Center on Friday night.
The Knicks (2-0) came into the contest as big favorites, unsurprising given the expectation the Magic (0-2) will be one of the poorest teams in the league this season. New York wasted no time setting an early tone of dominance, jumping out to a 36-16 first-quarter lead that had expanded to a 65-35 halftime edge. While Orlando played much more competitively in the second half, the 30-point deficit they went into intermission with was way too deep a hole to climb out of. The visitors played very well on both ends of the floor, shooting 50.0 percent while limiting their hosts to a 39.8 percent success rate from the floor.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and two steals. Evan Fournier netted 18 points against his old squad, supplementing his scoring with three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Immanuel Quickley furnished 16 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Obi Toppin supplied 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Derrick Rose and Alec Burks had matching 12-point, seven-assist tallies. Kemba Walker poured in 11 points.
Franz Wagner paced the Magic with 16 points, complementing them with four rebounds. Mo Bamba contributed 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Jalen Suggs delivered 14 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals. Terrence Ross turned in 12 points, while Wendell Carter, Jr. and Cole Anthony posted 10 points each. Carter also hauled in 11 rebounds while Anthony dished out six assists.
The two teams reconvene for a rematch on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks (2-0) came into the contest as big favorites, unsurprising given the expectation the Magic (0-2) will be one of the poorest teams in the league this season. New York wasted no time setting an early tone of dominance, jumping out to a 36-16 first-quarter lead that had expanded to a 65-35 halftime edge. While Orlando played much more competitively in the second half, the 30-point deficit they went into intermission with was way too deep a hole to climb out of. The visitors played very well on both ends of the floor, shooting 50.0 percent while limiting their hosts to a 39.8 percent success rate from the floor.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and two steals. Evan Fournier netted 18 points against his old squad, supplementing his scoring with three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Immanuel Quickley furnished 16 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Obi Toppin supplied 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Derrick Rose and Alec Burks had matching 12-point, seven-assist tallies. Kemba Walker poured in 11 points.
Franz Wagner paced the Magic with 16 points, complementing them with four rebounds. Mo Bamba contributed 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Jalen Suggs delivered 14 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals. Terrence Ross turned in 12 points, while Wendell Carter, Jr. and Cole Anthony posted 10 points each. Carter also hauled in 11 rebounds while Anthony dished out six assists.
The two teams reconvene for a rematch on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden.
Wizards Edge Out Pacers In High-Scoring Bout
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 135-134, in overtime at Capital One Arena on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start, as the Pacers led, 36-32, after one quarter. The fast pace continued in the second quarter, where the Wizards poured in 41 points, to tie it up at 73, by halftime. The Wizards kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the Pacers by 10 points in the frame, but the Pacers gave it right back in the fourth, and led by six points with two minutes left. However, Spencer Dinwiddie came up clutch with two key three-pointers to send the game to overtime. The high-octane contest continued through the overtime period, where the Wizards outscored the visitors, 12-11, to secure their second consecutive win and first home win of the season.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the way for the Wizards with 34 points on 13-of-24 shooting, nine assists and six rebounds, in 35 minutes. Kyle Kuzma followed up with 26 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Raul Neto chipped in 18 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. The Wizards shot 52 percent from the field, including 19-of-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Myles Turner led the Pacers with 40 points on 15-of-22 shooting, 10 rebounds, three blocks and a steal, in 44 minutes. Domantas Sabonis totaled 28 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and a block, while Malcolm Brogdon added 28 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block. The Pacers shot 53.6 percent, including 15-of-34 from long range.
The Pacers (0-2) will look to bounce back as the play host to the Heat on Saturday. The Wizards (2-0) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Monday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start, as the Pacers led, 36-32, after one quarter. The fast pace continued in the second quarter, where the Wizards poured in 41 points, to tie it up at 73, by halftime. The Wizards kept the momentum going in the third and outscored the Pacers by 10 points in the frame, but the Pacers gave it right back in the fourth, and led by six points with two minutes left. However, Spencer Dinwiddie came up clutch with two key three-pointers to send the game to overtime. The high-octane contest continued through the overtime period, where the Wizards outscored the visitors, 12-11, to secure their second consecutive win and first home win of the season.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the way for the Wizards with 34 points on 13-of-24 shooting, nine assists and six rebounds, in 35 minutes. Kyle Kuzma followed up with 26 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Raul Neto chipped in 18 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. The Wizards shot 52 percent from the field, including 19-of-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Myles Turner led the Pacers with 40 points on 15-of-22 shooting, 10 rebounds, three blocks and a steal, in 44 minutes. Domantas Sabonis totaled 28 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and a block, while Malcolm Brogdon added 28 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block. The Pacers shot 53.6 percent, including 15-of-34 from long range.
The Pacers (0-2) will look to bounce back as the play host to the Heat on Saturday. The Wizards (2-0) take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Monday.
Raptors Clinch First Win Of Season, Defeat Celtics
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Boston Celtics, 115-83, at TD Garden on Friday evening.
The Raptors (1-1) and the Celtics (0-2) were both coming off disappointing losses in their season openers, but Toronto used an impressive scoring run in the second half to pull away and secure their first victory of the season -- leaving Ime Udoka's Celtics still searching for their first victory with him at the helm. The game started tight, though, as the first quarter ended with a 23-23 tie and the Raptors only mustered a four-point advantage following the end of the first half. However, they pulled away in the second half and registered a 33-17 lead in the third quarter. Boston didn't even attempt a late comeback and Toronto took advantage of that, as they outscored their rivals by a 31-19 score in the fourth quarter, setting up the stage to secure a dominant win.
Scottie Barnes came out of nowhere to lead the Raptors in this win, as he finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Precious Achiuwa also posted a double-double since he ended with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Fred VanVleet had another struggling performance when it comes to shooting and ended with 11 points but also added nine assists. Gary Trent Jr. had 20 points, and OG Anunoby compiled 14 points. Chris Boucher added 11 points off the bench.
Only three Boston players scored in double digits in this one, and Jayson Tatum led the team offensively with 18 points while making eight of his 14 shots. Al Horford had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Josh Richardson delivered 12 points coming off the bench. Jaylen Brown had nine points (3-13 FG).
The Raptors (1-1) and the Celtics (0-2) were both coming off disappointing losses in their season openers, but Toronto used an impressive scoring run in the second half to pull away and secure their first victory of the season -- leaving Ime Udoka's Celtics still searching for their first victory with him at the helm. The game started tight, though, as the first quarter ended with a 23-23 tie and the Raptors only mustered a four-point advantage following the end of the first half. However, they pulled away in the second half and registered a 33-17 lead in the third quarter. Boston didn't even attempt a late comeback and Toronto took advantage of that, as they outscored their rivals by a 31-19 score in the fourth quarter, setting up the stage to secure a dominant win.
Scottie Barnes came out of nowhere to lead the Raptors in this win, as he finished with 25 points and 13 rebounds, while Precious Achiuwa also posted a double-double since he ended with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Fred VanVleet had another struggling performance when it comes to shooting and ended with 11 points but also added nine assists. Gary Trent Jr. had 20 points, and OG Anunoby compiled 14 points. Chris Boucher added 11 points off the bench.
Only three Boston players scored in double digits in this one, and Jayson Tatum led the team offensively with 18 points while making eight of his 14 shots. Al Horford had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Josh Richardson delivered 12 points coming off the bench. Jaylen Brown had nine points (3-13 FG).
Nets Edge 76ers, 114-109
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 114-109, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.
Each squad once again came out missing its starting point guard due to those players' respective disputes with team management, evening matters out somewhat. The 76ers (1-1) were the more effective team early, forging a seven-point lead by halftime. However, the Nets (1-1) would turn it on in the fourth quarter after shaving a point from its deficit in the third, generating a 29-18 advantage over the final 12 minutes to notch the narrow victory. Brooklyn outpaced Philadelphia significantly on the boards, winning the rebounding battle by a 47-35 margin.
Kevin Durant led the Nets with a 29-point, 15-rebound, 12-assist triple-double that also included a steal and a block. LaMarcus Aldridge supplied 23 points, five rebounds and two blocks. James Harden provided 20 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals. Joe Harris and Patty Mills finished with 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Tobias Harris and Seth Curry paced the 76ers with matching 23-point tallies while adding seven and four rebounds, respectively. Joel Embiid totaled 19 points, eight boards, four assists, four blocks and two steals. Tyrese Maxey registered 15 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Furkan Korkmaz collected 10 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Nets will next face off with the Charlotte Hornets in Brooklyn's home opener on Sunday afternoon, while the 76ers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday evening.
Each squad once again came out missing its starting point guard due to those players' respective disputes with team management, evening matters out somewhat. The 76ers (1-1) were the more effective team early, forging a seven-point lead by halftime. However, the Nets (1-1) would turn it on in the fourth quarter after shaving a point from its deficit in the third, generating a 29-18 advantage over the final 12 minutes to notch the narrow victory. Brooklyn outpaced Philadelphia significantly on the boards, winning the rebounding battle by a 47-35 margin.
Kevin Durant led the Nets with a 29-point, 15-rebound, 12-assist triple-double that also included a steal and a block. LaMarcus Aldridge supplied 23 points, five rebounds and two blocks. James Harden provided 20 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals. Joe Harris and Patty Mills finished with 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Tobias Harris and Seth Curry paced the 76ers with matching 23-point tallies while adding seven and four rebounds, respectively. Joel Embiid totaled 19 points, eight boards, four assists, four blocks and two steals. Tyrese Maxey registered 15 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Furkan Korkmaz collected 10 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Nets will next face off with the Charlotte Hornets in Brooklyn's home opener on Sunday afternoon, while the 76ers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday evening.
Bulls Hold Off Pelicans In First Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 128-112, at United Center on Friday evening.
The Bulls jumped out to a strong start in their home-opener with a, 28-17, lead after one quarter. The pace picked up in the second, but the Bulls did not let up, as they outscored the visitors, 37-30, to take a, 65-47, lead by halftime. The Pelicans came out stronger in the third quarter, where they managed to outscore the Bulls by one, to cut it to a 17-point game heading into the final frame. Both teams kept up the scoring in the fourth, but the Bulls would not let the Pelicans ruin their home debut, as they closed out their second straight win.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 32 points on 11-of-19 shooting, six rebounds, five assists and a block, in 32 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 26 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Lonzo Ball totaled 17 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and a block. The Bulls shot 53 percent from the field, including 14-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting, eight rebounds and eight assists, in 34 minutes. Devonte' Graham followed up with 21 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Jonas Valanciunas totaled 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a block. The Pelicans shot 48 percent from the field, including 15-of-29 from long range.
The Pelicans (0-2) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves on Saturday. The Bulls (2-0) play host to the Pistons on Saturday.
The Bulls jumped out to a strong start in their home-opener with a, 28-17, lead after one quarter. The pace picked up in the second, but the Bulls did not let up, as they outscored the visitors, 37-30, to take a, 65-47, lead by halftime. The Pelicans came out stronger in the third quarter, where they managed to outscore the Bulls by one, to cut it to a 17-point game heading into the final frame. Both teams kept up the scoring in the fourth, but the Bulls would not let the Pelicans ruin their home debut, as they closed out their second straight win.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 32 points on 11-of-19 shooting, six rebounds, five assists and a block, in 32 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 26 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Lonzo Ball totaled 17 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and a block. The Bulls shot 53 percent from the field, including 14-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting, eight rebounds and eight assists, in 34 minutes. Devonte' Graham followed up with 21 points, six rebounds and six assists, while Jonas Valanciunas totaled 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a block. The Pelicans shot 48 percent from the field, including 15-of-29 from long range.
The Pelicans (0-2) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves on Saturday. The Bulls (2-0) play host to the Pistons on Saturday.
Rockets Blowout Visiting Thunder For First Win Of The Season
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 124-91, at Toyota Center on Friday evening.
The Rockets got out to a great start with a, 34-21, lead after one quarter. They doubled down in the second, outscoring the visitors by nine in the quarter to make it a 22-point game by halftime. The Thunder had no answers in the second half, as they were outscored, 55-44, the rest of the way, resulting in a 33-point blowout win for the Rockets. This marks the first win and first home win of the season for the Rockets.
Christian Wood led the Rockets with 31 points on 13-of-19 shooting, 14 rebounds and three blocks, in 33 minutes. Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Jae'Sean Tate totaled 16 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Rockets shot 50 percent from the field, including 17-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the only starter to score in double digits for the Thunder, with 13 points on 6-of-15 shooting. Mike Muscala added 13 points, Kenrich Williams chipped in 12 points, and Aleksej Pokusevski was the only other player to score in double digits, with 10 points, off the bench. The Thunder shot 37 percent from the field, including 14-of-43 from deep.
The Thunder (0-2) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Sunday. The Rockets (1-1) play host to the Celtics on Sunday.
The Rockets got out to a great start with a, 34-21, lead after one quarter. They doubled down in the second, outscoring the visitors by nine in the quarter to make it a 22-point game by halftime. The Thunder had no answers in the second half, as they were outscored, 55-44, the rest of the way, resulting in a 33-point blowout win for the Rockets. This marks the first win and first home win of the season for the Rockets.
Christian Wood led the Rockets with 31 points on 13-of-19 shooting, 14 rebounds and three blocks, in 33 minutes. Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 points, nine assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Jae'Sean Tate totaled 16 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Rockets shot 50 percent from the field, including 17-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the only starter to score in double digits for the Thunder, with 13 points on 6-of-15 shooting. Mike Muscala added 13 points, Kenrich Williams chipped in 12 points, and Aleksej Pokusevski was the only other player to score in double digits, with 10 points, off the bench. The Thunder shot 37 percent from the field, including 14-of-43 from deep.
The Thunder (0-2) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Sunday. The Rockets (1-1) play host to the Celtics on Sunday.
Nuggets Defeat Spurs, 102-96
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 102-96, at Ball Arena on Friday.
It took five ties and 12 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team ever leading by more than 11 points. With that said, the Nuggets led for the majority of the game, thanks to a 26-22 first quarter and a 26-20 third quarter. Denver ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range while holding San Antonio to 48 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range. Both teams were careless with the ball, committing 41 combined turnovers. The Nuggets also outscored the Spurs in fastbreak points, 17-7.
The Spurs (1-1) were led by Keldon Johnson, collecting 27 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals on 12-of-18 from the field. Derrick White tallied 16 points, two rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Dejounte Murray registered 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals while Jakob Poeltl provided 15 points and eight boards.
The Nuggets (2-0) got a gem from Nikola Jokic, compiling 32 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three steals on 14-of-19 from the field. Will Barton amassed 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Monte Morris started and scored 13 points. JaMychal Green led the bench with 10 points, two rebounds and three steals.
Denver will be off until Monday when they play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers. As for San Antonio, they play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday versus the Milwaukee Bucks.
It took five ties and 12 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team ever leading by more than 11 points. With that said, the Nuggets led for the majority of the game, thanks to a 26-22 first quarter and a 26-20 third quarter. Denver ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range while holding San Antonio to 48 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range. Both teams were careless with the ball, committing 41 combined turnovers. The Nuggets also outscored the Spurs in fastbreak points, 17-7.
The Spurs (1-1) were led by Keldon Johnson, collecting 27 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals on 12-of-18 from the field. Derrick White tallied 16 points, two rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks. Dejounte Murray registered 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals while Jakob Poeltl provided 15 points and eight boards.
The Nuggets (2-0) got a gem from Nikola Jokic, compiling 32 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and three steals on 14-of-19 from the field. Will Barton amassed 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Monte Morris started and scored 13 points. JaMychal Green led the bench with 10 points, two rebounds and three steals.
Denver will be off until Monday when they play host to the Cleveland Cavaliers. As for San Antonio, they play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday versus the Milwaukee Bucks.
Suns Roll Lakers, 115-105
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 115-105, at Staples Center on Friday.
This final scoreline is not a good indicator of how lopsided this game was, with Phoenix leading by 32 points near the end of the third quarter. Los Angeles made it a competitive spread behind a 38-21 fourth quarter, but Phoenix outscored them in the middle quarters, 71-41, to take control. The Suns ended up shooting 49 percent from the field, while holding the Lakers below 40 percent shooting. In addition, Phoenix recorded 31 assists to 11 turnovers, while Los Angeles had 25 assists to 16 turnovers. The Suns also doubled up the Lakers in paint points, 52-26.
The Suns (1-1) were led by Chris Paul, collecting 23 points, five rebounds, 14 assists and two steals. Devin Booker tallied 22 points, five rebounds and four assists. Mikal Bridges accumulated 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals while Deandre Ayton amassed eight points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Lakers (0-2) were led by LeBron James and his 25 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Anthony Davis accrued 22 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Russell Westbrook collected 15 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and two steals while Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 16 points and five rebounds.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday. As for Los Angeles, they face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday for their next outing.
This final scoreline is not a good indicator of how lopsided this game was, with Phoenix leading by 32 points near the end of the third quarter. Los Angeles made it a competitive spread behind a 38-21 fourth quarter, but Phoenix outscored them in the middle quarters, 71-41, to take control. The Suns ended up shooting 49 percent from the field, while holding the Lakers below 40 percent shooting. In addition, Phoenix recorded 31 assists to 11 turnovers, while Los Angeles had 25 assists to 16 turnovers. The Suns also doubled up the Lakers in paint points, 52-26.
The Suns (1-1) were led by Chris Paul, collecting 23 points, five rebounds, 14 assists and two steals. Devin Booker tallied 22 points, five rebounds and four assists. Mikal Bridges accumulated 21 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals while Deandre Ayton amassed eight points, 15 rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Lakers (0-2) were led by LeBron James and his 25 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Anthony Davis accrued 22 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Russell Westbrook collected 15 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and two steals while Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 16 points and five rebounds.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday. As for Los Angeles, they face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday for their next outing.
Jazz Defeat Kings, 110-101
The Utah Jazz defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 110-101, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
While there were only six ties and nine lead changes in this game, neither team ever led by more than 11 points. That was actually Utah in the final seconds, outscoring Sacramento in the second half, 64-49. The Jazz ended up shooting 16-of-42 from three-point range and 20-of-23 from the free-throw line while holding the Kings to 8-of-36 from long range and 15-of-21 from the charity stripe. In addition, Utah recorded 15 steals while forcing 17 turnovers from Sacramento.
The Jazz (2-0) were led by Donovan Mitchell and his 27 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Mike Conley collected 17 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals. Rudy Gobert amassed 17 points, 20 rebounds and two assists. Bojan Bogdanovic had 13 points and five boards while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Kings (1-1) were led by Harrison Barnes, tallying 25 points, 14 rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Haliburton totaled 15 points, three rebounds, six assists and four steals. De'Aaron Fox shot 5-of-19 from the field to finish with 12 points, three rebounds, six assists and five steals. Richaun Holmes had six points, 10 rebounds and three blocks while Buddy Hield led the bench with 24 points and seven boards.
Sacramento's next game will be on Sunday when they play host to the Golden State Warriors. As for Utah, they're off until Tuesday when they play host to the Denver Nuggets.
While there were only six ties and nine lead changes in this game, neither team ever led by more than 11 points. That was actually Utah in the final seconds, outscoring Sacramento in the second half, 64-49. The Jazz ended up shooting 16-of-42 from three-point range and 20-of-23 from the free-throw line while holding the Kings to 8-of-36 from long range and 15-of-21 from the charity stripe. In addition, Utah recorded 15 steals while forcing 17 turnovers from Sacramento.
The Jazz (2-0) were led by Donovan Mitchell and his 27 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Mike Conley collected 17 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals. Rudy Gobert amassed 17 points, 20 rebounds and two assists. Bojan Bogdanovic had 13 points and five boards while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Kings (1-1) were led by Harrison Barnes, tallying 25 points, 14 rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Haliburton totaled 15 points, three rebounds, six assists and four steals. De'Aaron Fox shot 5-of-19 from the field to finish with 12 points, three rebounds, six assists and five steals. Richaun Holmes had six points, 10 rebounds and three blocks while Buddy Hield led the bench with 24 points and seven boards.
Sacramento's next game will be on Sunday when they play host to the Golden State Warriors. As for Utah, they're off until Tuesday when they play host to the Denver Nuggets.