Cavs Top Hawks, Earn First Win Of Year
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 101-95, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Saturday evening.
The Cavaliers (1-2) finally earned their first win of the season and used a strong second half to get the job done against the Hawks (1-1), a team that was coming off an impressive season start against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. Atlanta got the lead by three following the conclusion of the first quarter (27-24) and the second quarter ended with a 28-28 tie, but the Cavs would flip the script after halftime. Playing their best basketball of the season so far, the Cavaliers outscored Atlanta by an impressive 31-17, in what was the Hawks' lowest scoring output in a single quarter this season. The Hawks bounced back with a 23-18 score in the fourth, but it was just too late for them and Cleveland closed things out en route to picking up his first win of the campaign.
Six of Cleveland's eight players scored in double digits in this one, and Ricky Rubio led the way with 23 points while also adding eight assists and six rebounds. Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen each had 12 points, and Jarrett Allen supplied 11 points with 14 rebounds. Rookie Evan Mobley had another strong game, putting up 17 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. Kevin Love had 12 points, six rebounds and three assists off the bench.
Trae Young led the Hawks in scoring after notching 24 points, though he needed 22 points to accomplish such a mark (8-22 FG). Cam Reddish had 19 points off the bench, and DeAndre Hunter supplied 12 points. Clint Capela delivered a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds as well. John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanovic struggled mightily, as both combined for 11 points on 5-for-15 from the field.
The Cavaliers (1-2) finally earned their first win of the season and used a strong second half to get the job done against the Hawks (1-1), a team that was coming off an impressive season start against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday. Atlanta got the lead by three following the conclusion of the first quarter (27-24) and the second quarter ended with a 28-28 tie, but the Cavs would flip the script after halftime. Playing their best basketball of the season so far, the Cavaliers outscored Atlanta by an impressive 31-17, in what was the Hawks' lowest scoring output in a single quarter this season. The Hawks bounced back with a 23-18 score in the fourth, but it was just too late for them and Cleveland closed things out en route to picking up his first win of the campaign.
Six of Cleveland's eight players scored in double digits in this one, and Ricky Rubio led the way with 23 points while also adding eight assists and six rebounds. Collin Sexton and Lauri Markkanen each had 12 points, and Jarrett Allen supplied 11 points with 14 rebounds. Rookie Evan Mobley had another strong game, putting up 17 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. Kevin Love had 12 points, six rebounds and three assists off the bench.
Trae Young led the Hawks in scoring after notching 24 points, though he needed 22 points to accomplish such a mark (8-22 FG). Cam Reddish had 19 points off the bench, and DeAndre Hunter supplied 12 points. Clint Capela delivered a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds as well. John Collins and Bogdan Bogdanovic struggled mightily, as both combined for 11 points on 5-for-15 from the field.
Pacers Close Out Heat For Their First Win
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 102-91, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday evening.
The Pacers got out to a solid start at home, as they led, 28-24, after one quarter and pushed their lead to 10, by halftime. However, they shutdown in the third, where they only mustered eight points. Despite the golden opportunity, the Heat only managed to outscore the hosts by nine points in the quarter and still trailed by one point heading into the fourth. The pace picked up again in the fourth and the score stayed tight down the stretch, resulting overtime. The Pacers scored the first basket in extra time and took control from there, as they outscored the visitors, 16-5, the rest of the way to close out their first win of the season.
Rookie, Chris Duarte was the high-point man for the Pacers with 19 points on 6-of-21 shooting, in 41 minutes. Malcolm Brogdon totaled 18 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Domantas Sabonis added 17 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and four steals. The Pacers shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tyler Herro led the Heat with 30 points on 12-of-28 shooting, and 10 rebounds, in 41 minutes. Jimmy Butler totaled 19 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Bam Adebayo tallied 17 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. The Heat shot 38.5 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from long range.
The Heat (1-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Monday. The Pacers (1-2) play host to the Bucks on Monday.
The Pacers got out to a solid start at home, as they led, 28-24, after one quarter and pushed their lead to 10, by halftime. However, they shutdown in the third, where they only mustered eight points. Despite the golden opportunity, the Heat only managed to outscore the hosts by nine points in the quarter and still trailed by one point heading into the fourth. The pace picked up again in the fourth and the score stayed tight down the stretch, resulting overtime. The Pacers scored the first basket in extra time and took control from there, as they outscored the visitors, 16-5, the rest of the way to close out their first win of the season.
Rookie, Chris Duarte was the high-point man for the Pacers with 19 points on 6-of-21 shooting, in 41 minutes. Malcolm Brogdon totaled 18 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Domantas Sabonis added 17 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and four steals. The Pacers shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Tyler Herro led the Heat with 30 points on 12-of-28 shooting, and 10 rebounds, in 41 minutes. Jimmy Butler totaled 19 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Bam Adebayo tallied 17 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. The Heat shot 38.5 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from long range.
The Heat (1-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Monday. The Pacers (1-2) play host to the Bucks on Monday.
Mavericks Mount Comeback, Defeat Raptors
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Toronto Raptors, 99-95, at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday evening.
The Mavericks (1-1) and the Raptors (1-2) played a tight contest Saturday and while it seemed as if Toronto was on the verge of earning their second win in a row, Dallas reacted just in time to turn things around and clinch their first victory of the season following their loss on the opening night against the Atlanta Hawks. The Raptors jumped out to a 25-18 lead in the first quarter, but Dallas showed signs of a potential turnaround after they won the second quarter by a 27-26 score. The Mavericks would break free in the third quarter, though, edging their opponents by a 29-21 score and also claimed the final 12 minutes of action by a 29-23 tally. Thanks to that impressive performance in the second half, the Mavericks earned their first victory of the campaign.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks in this game with a 27-point, 12-assist double-double that also included nine rebounds, while Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in with 25 points, three rebounds and two dimes. Kristaps Porzingis had an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double, and both Dwight Powell and Dorian Finney-Smith each contributed 11 points to the winning cause. The Mavericks shot 41.8 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range.
OG Anunoby led the Raptors with 23 points and four rebounds, while Precious Achiowa compiled a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds. Fred VanVleet delivered 20 points, five boards and five assists, while Scottie Barnes contributed 17 points, eight rebounds and two dimes. Gary Trent Jr. had 12 points on 14 shots (3-14 FG). Toronto shot 40 percent from the field and 29.7 percent from three.
The Mavericks (1-1) and the Raptors (1-2) played a tight contest Saturday and while it seemed as if Toronto was on the verge of earning their second win in a row, Dallas reacted just in time to turn things around and clinch their first victory of the season following their loss on the opening night against the Atlanta Hawks. The Raptors jumped out to a 25-18 lead in the first quarter, but Dallas showed signs of a potential turnaround after they won the second quarter by a 27-26 score. The Mavericks would break free in the third quarter, though, edging their opponents by a 29-21 score and also claimed the final 12 minutes of action by a 29-23 tally. Thanks to that impressive performance in the second half, the Mavericks earned their first victory of the campaign.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks in this game with a 27-point, 12-assist double-double that also included nine rebounds, while Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in with 25 points, three rebounds and two dimes. Kristaps Porzingis had an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double, and both Dwight Powell and Dorian Finney-Smith each contributed 11 points to the winning cause. The Mavericks shot 41.8 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range.
OG Anunoby led the Raptors with 23 points and four rebounds, while Precious Achiowa compiled a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds. Fred VanVleet delivered 20 points, five boards and five assists, while Scottie Barnes contributed 17 points, eight rebounds and two dimes. Gary Trent Jr. had 12 points on 14 shots (3-14 FG). Toronto shot 40 percent from the field and 29.7 percent from three.
Bulls Hold Off Pistons For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 97-82, at United Center on Saturday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start, as the Bulls led, 31-28, after one quarter. They stayed on top through the second and pushed their lead to 11, by halftime. The Bulls maintained control in the third, where they outscored the visitors, 25-11, to push it a 25-point game heading into the final frame. However, the Pistons gave them a scare in the fourth, as they poured in 28 points, while holding the hosts to just 18 points, but it was not enough to cover the deficit, as the Bulls held on for their third straight win to start their season and second straight home win.
DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Bulls with 21 points, six rebounds, six assists and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 15 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals, while Zach LaVine chipped in 14 points, five assists and four rebounds. The Bulls shot 42 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Saddiq Bey led the way for the Pistons with 20 points, 16 rebounds, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Trey Lyles followed up with 12 points, five rebounds and a block, while Kelly Olynyk was the only other player to score in double digits for the Pistons, with 10 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block. The Pistons shot 39 percent from the field, including 5-of-28 from long range.
The Pistons (0-2) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Monday. The Bulls (3-0) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Monday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start, as the Bulls led, 31-28, after one quarter. They stayed on top through the second and pushed their lead to 11, by halftime. The Bulls maintained control in the third, where they outscored the visitors, 25-11, to push it a 25-point game heading into the final frame. However, the Pistons gave them a scare in the fourth, as they poured in 28 points, while holding the hosts to just 18 points, but it was not enough to cover the deficit, as the Bulls held on for their third straight win to start their season and second straight home win.
DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Bulls with 21 points, six rebounds, six assists and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 15 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals, while Zach LaVine chipped in 14 points, five assists and four rebounds. The Bulls shot 42 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Saddiq Bey led the way for the Pistons with 20 points, 16 rebounds, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Trey Lyles followed up with 12 points, five rebounds and a block, while Kelly Olynyk was the only other player to score in double digits for the Pistons, with 10 points, five rebounds, a steal and a block. The Pistons shot 39 percent from the field, including 5-of-28 from long range.
The Pistons (0-2) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Monday. The Bulls (3-0) take on the Raptors in Toronto on Monday.
Timberwolves Close Out Pelicans For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting the New Orleans Pelicans, 96-89, at Target Center on Saturday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start, as the Timberwolves led, 28-27, after one quarter. They took control in the second and pushed their advantage to 13, by halftime, but the Pelicans bounced back in the third and outscored the hosts, 26-15, in the quarter to cut it to a two-point game heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves reclaimed the upper hand early in the fourth and rallied to close out their second straight win, while this marks the third straight loss for the Pelicans.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for the Timberwolves with 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting, four rebounds, three blocks and two assists, in 29 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 19 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while D'Angelo Russell and Naz Reid chipped in 12 points each. The Timberwolves shot 41 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 30 points on 12-of-23 shooting, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas followed up with 20 points, 17 rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker tallied 14 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Pelicans shot 35 percent from the field, including 9-of-40 from deep.
The Pelicans (0-3) and Timberwolves (2-0) will go head-to-head again in Minnesota on Monday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start, as the Timberwolves led, 28-27, after one quarter. They took control in the second and pushed their advantage to 13, by halftime, but the Pelicans bounced back in the third and outscored the hosts, 26-15, in the quarter to cut it to a two-point game heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves reclaimed the upper hand early in the fourth and rallied to close out their second straight win, while this marks the third straight loss for the Pelicans.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for the Timberwolves with 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting, four rebounds, three blocks and two assists, in 29 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 19 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while D'Angelo Russell and Naz Reid chipped in 12 points each. The Timberwolves shot 41 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 30 points on 12-of-23 shooting, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas followed up with 20 points, 17 rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker tallied 14 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Pelicans shot 35 percent from the field, including 9-of-40 from deep.
The Pelicans (0-3) and Timberwolves (2-0) will go head-to-head again in Minnesota on Monday.
Bucks Defeat Spurs, 121-111
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 121-111, at AT&T Center on Saturday.
Milwaukee won or tied all four individual quarters in this game, outscoring San Antonio in the second and fourth quarters, 60-50. With that said, there were still nine lead changes in this game, with neither club leading by more than 13 points. The Bucks did finish the game on a 10-4 run across the final four minutes. Milwaukee shot 53 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding San Antonio to 49 percent from the field and 26 percent from long distance. They also out-rebounded them, 52-43.
The Bucks (2-1) were led by Khris Middleton, collecting 28 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals. Giannis Antetokounmpo amassed 21 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and three blocks. Jrue Holiday totaled 16 points, four rebounds and five assists. Pat Connaughton had 16 points and seven boards while George Hill led the bench with 15 points.
The Spurs (1-2) were led by Doug McDermott and his 25 points, four rebounds and two assists. Keldon Johnson compiled 20 points, two rebounds and three assists. Derrick White tallied 14 points, two rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Jakob Poeltl accumulated 10 points, eight rebounds and six assists while Dejounte Murray had 10 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
On deck for Milwaukee is a road matchup with the Indiana Pacers on Monday. As for San Antonio, they remain home to face the struggling Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday for their next outing.
Milwaukee won or tied all four individual quarters in this game, outscoring San Antonio in the second and fourth quarters, 60-50. With that said, there were still nine lead changes in this game, with neither club leading by more than 13 points. The Bucks did finish the game on a 10-4 run across the final four minutes. Milwaukee shot 53 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding San Antonio to 49 percent from the field and 26 percent from long distance. They also out-rebounded them, 52-43.
The Bucks (2-1) were led by Khris Middleton, collecting 28 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals. Giannis Antetokounmpo amassed 21 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and three blocks. Jrue Holiday totaled 16 points, four rebounds and five assists. Pat Connaughton had 16 points and seven boards while George Hill led the bench with 15 points.
The Spurs (1-2) were led by Doug McDermott and his 25 points, four rebounds and two assists. Keldon Johnson compiled 20 points, two rebounds and three assists. Derrick White tallied 14 points, two rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Jakob Poeltl accumulated 10 points, eight rebounds and six assists while Dejounte Murray had 10 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
On deck for Milwaukee is a road matchup with the Indiana Pacers on Monday. As for San Antonio, they remain home to face the struggling Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday for their next outing.
Trail Blazers Throttle Suns, 134-105
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 134-105, at Moda Center on Saturday.
Portland won all four individual quarters by at least four points apiece in this blowout win, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, the Trail Blazers held a double-digit lead for the final 35 minutes, while leading by at least 24 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Portland ended up out-rebounding Portland, 55-45, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 21-6. In addition, the Trail Blazers shot 54 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 48 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range.
The Suns (1-2) were led by Devin Booker and his 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Mikal Bridges scored 14 points while Chris Paul collected four points, two rebounds and 11 assists. Elfrid Payton led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and six assists in garbage time. JaVale McGee also amassed 12 points and four boards.
The Trail Blazers (1-1) were led by C.J. McCollum, tallying 28 points, three rebounds and three blocks. Damian Lillard totaled 19 points and eight assists. Norman Powell scored 16 points while Jusuf Nurkic provided nine points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Anfernee Simons led the bench with 18 points as well.
Portland's next game will be on Monday when they travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Phoenix, they're off until Wednesday when they play host to the Sacramento Kings.
Portland won all four individual quarters by at least four points apiece in this blowout win, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, the Trail Blazers held a double-digit lead for the final 35 minutes, while leading by at least 24 points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Portland ended up out-rebounding Portland, 55-45, while outscoring them in fastbreak points, 21-6. In addition, the Trail Blazers shot 54 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 48 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range.
The Suns (1-2) were led by Devin Booker and his 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Mikal Bridges scored 14 points while Chris Paul collected four points, two rebounds and 11 assists. Elfrid Payton led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and six assists in garbage time. JaVale McGee also amassed 12 points and four boards.
The Trail Blazers (1-1) were led by C.J. McCollum, tallying 28 points, three rebounds and three blocks. Damian Lillard totaled 19 points and eight assists. Norman Powell scored 16 points while Jusuf Nurkic provided nine points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Anfernee Simons led the bench with 18 points as well.
Portland's next game will be on Monday when they travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Phoenix, they're off until Wednesday when they play host to the Sacramento Kings.
Grizzlies Defeat Clippers, 120-114
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 120-114, at Staples Center on Saturday.
While there were only three ties and four lead changes in this game, it came down to the final seconds. In fact, it stayed within six points for the final five minutes, with both teams trading off baskets in the closing two minutes. The Grizzlies ended up outscoring the Clippers, 72-55, in the second and third quarters, which allowed them to hold the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Memphis shot 47 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding Los Angeles to 43 percent from the field and 33 percent from long distance. The Grizzlies also out-rebounded the Clippers 59-51.
The Grizzlies (2-0) were led by Ja Morant, tallying 28 points, two rebounds and eight assists. De'Anthony Melton amassed 22 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 21 points and seven rebounds while Desmond Bane totaled 19 points, six rebounds and two assists. Steven Adams accrued 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists to cap off the starting unit.
The Clippers (0-2) were led by Paul George and his 41 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Reggie Jackson had 17 points and two assists. Eric Bledsoe collected 12 points, six rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks. Isaiah Hartenstein led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and two steals.
Memphis has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Sunday, facing the Los Angeles Lakers on the road. As for the Clippers, they play host to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday for their next outing.
While there were only three ties and four lead changes in this game, it came down to the final seconds. In fact, it stayed within six points for the final five minutes, with both teams trading off baskets in the closing two minutes. The Grizzlies ended up outscoring the Clippers, 72-55, in the second and third quarters, which allowed them to hold the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Memphis shot 47 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding Los Angeles to 43 percent from the field and 33 percent from long distance. The Grizzlies also out-rebounded the Clippers 59-51.
The Grizzlies (2-0) were led by Ja Morant, tallying 28 points, two rebounds and eight assists. De'Anthony Melton amassed 22 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 21 points and seven rebounds while Desmond Bane totaled 19 points, six rebounds and two assists. Steven Adams accrued 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists to cap off the starting unit.
The Clippers (0-2) were led by Paul George and his 41 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Reggie Jackson had 17 points and two assists. Eric Bledsoe collected 12 points, six rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks. Isaiah Hartenstein led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and two steals.
Memphis has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Sunday, facing the Los Angeles Lakers on the road. As for the Clippers, they play host to the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday for their next outing.