Hornets Come From Behind, Defeat Nets
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 111-95, at Barclays Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Hornets (3-0) pushed their undefeated start to the season at three games with a commanding victory over the Nets (1-2), as Steve Nash's team simply didn't have answers for Charlotte on both ends of the court. Despite the final outcome, it's worth noting the Nets got off to a stronger start and jumped out to a 31-27 lead following the first 12 minutes -- and in fact, they made it an eight-point game following a 27-23 score in the second quarter. Charlotte responded in the second half and outscored Brooklyn by nine (29-20) in the third, but the differential was just one point with 12 minutes left to play. The Hornets would pull away for good in the final 12 minutes -- they outscored the Nets 32-17 in the fourth to race out to what ended being a comfortable win, even if things were extremely tight during the majority of the contest.
Miles Bridges delivered an impressive overall performance Sunday and led Charlotte with a 32-point performance that also included nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. LaMelo Ball had 18 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Ish Smith added 15 points, four boards and four dimes off the bench. Cody Martin had 12 points and five assists off the bench as well. Kelly Oubre Jr. had nine points and nine rebounds in his first start of the campaign.
Kevin Durant carried the Nets offensively with an excellent performance of 38 points (17-24 FG) while adding five rebounds and three assists, while James Harden registered 15 points, eight dimes and seven boards. No other Brooklyn player scored in double digits. Joe Harris had seven points, and LaMarcus Aldridge had nine points off the bench.
The Hornets (3-0) pushed their undefeated start to the season at three games with a commanding victory over the Nets (1-2), as Steve Nash's team simply didn't have answers for Charlotte on both ends of the court. Despite the final outcome, it's worth noting the Nets got off to a stronger start and jumped out to a 31-27 lead following the first 12 minutes -- and in fact, they made it an eight-point game following a 27-23 score in the second quarter. Charlotte responded in the second half and outscored Brooklyn by nine (29-20) in the third, but the differential was just one point with 12 minutes left to play. The Hornets would pull away for good in the final 12 minutes -- they outscored the Nets 32-17 in the fourth to race out to what ended being a comfortable win, even if things were extremely tight during the majority of the contest.
Miles Bridges delivered an impressive overall performance Sunday and led Charlotte with a 32-point performance that also included nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. LaMelo Ball had 18 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Ish Smith added 15 points, four boards and four dimes off the bench. Cody Martin had 12 points and five assists off the bench as well. Kelly Oubre Jr. had nine points and nine rebounds in his first start of the campaign.
Kevin Durant carried the Nets offensively with an excellent performance of 38 points (17-24 FG) while adding five rebounds and three assists, while James Harden registered 15 points, eight dimes and seven boards. No other Brooklyn player scored in double digits. Joe Harris had seven points, and LaMarcus Aldridge had nine points off the bench.
Celtics Topple Rockets, 107-97
The Boston Celtics defeated the Houston Rockets, 107-97, at Toyota Center on Sunday evening.
The Celtics (1-2) came into the contest in a bit of desperation mode after dropping the first two games of the season and suffering a particularly worrisome 32-point loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Things weren't going much better to start Sunday's contest, either, as the Rockets (1-2) owned a 30-22 lead after the first 12 minutes. That seemed to finally wake Boston from its early-season slumber, as the Celtics went on to enjoy a 67-42 advantage over the middle periods that set them up for a win that was more comfortable than the final score would imply. Neither team shot more than 45.0 percent, but Houston's 18 turnovers helped fuel the visitors' middle-game surge.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 31 points, adding nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Dennis Schroder and Grant Williams generated matching 18-point tallies, with the former adding five rebounds and five assists and the latter supplying three boards and two assists. Al Horford mustered a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three steals and three blocks.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 30 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Christian Wood furnished 20 points, nine boards, one assist and one steal. Kevin Porter turned in 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Jae'Sean Tate provided 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Celtics remain on the road and visit the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, while the Rockets make the short trip to visit the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.
The Celtics (1-2) came into the contest in a bit of desperation mode after dropping the first two games of the season and suffering a particularly worrisome 32-point loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Things weren't going much better to start Sunday's contest, either, as the Rockets (1-2) owned a 30-22 lead after the first 12 minutes. That seemed to finally wake Boston from its early-season slumber, as the Celtics went on to enjoy a 67-42 advantage over the middle periods that set them up for a win that was more comfortable than the final score would imply. Neither team shot more than 45.0 percent, but Houston's 18 turnovers helped fuel the visitors' middle-game surge.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 31 points, adding nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Dennis Schroder and Grant Williams generated matching 18-point tallies, with the former adding five rebounds and five assists and the latter supplying three boards and two assists. Al Horford mustered a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three steals and three blocks.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 30 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Christian Wood furnished 20 points, nine boards, one assist and one steal. Kevin Porter turned in 15 points, three rebounds and three assists. Jae'Sean Tate provided 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Celtics remain on the road and visit the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, while the Rockets make the short trip to visit the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night.
Magic Rally To Top The Knicks In New York
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the host New York Knicks, 110-104, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Knicks led, 29-27, after one quarter. They kept up the fight through the second and managed to add another three points to their advantage, making it a five-point game by halftime. It remained a tight, back-and-forth contest through the third, where the Knicks outscored the visitors by one, pushing it to a six-point game heading into the final frame. The Magic turned the tables in the fourth, as they burst out of the gate with a 12-0 run to take a six-point lead early in the quarter. The Magic did not look back from there, as they went on to outscore the Knicks, 36-24, in the frame and walked away with the impressive road win.
Cole Anthony led the way for the Magic with 29 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-9 from long range, 16 rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Terrence Ross followed up with 22 points, three assists and two steals, while Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. chipped in 11 points each. The Magic shot 41 percent from the field, including 12-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Julius Randle led the Knicks with 30 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks, three assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Derrick Rose followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, while R.J. Barrett chipped in 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal. The Knicks shot 37 percent from the field, including 13-of-48 from deep.
The Knicks (2-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Sixers on Tuesday. The Magic (1-2) take on the Heat in Miami on Monday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Knicks led, 29-27, after one quarter. They kept up the fight through the second and managed to add another three points to their advantage, making it a five-point game by halftime. It remained a tight, back-and-forth contest through the third, where the Knicks outscored the visitors by one, pushing it to a six-point game heading into the final frame. The Magic turned the tables in the fourth, as they burst out of the gate with a 12-0 run to take a six-point lead early in the quarter. The Magic did not look back from there, as they went on to outscore the Knicks, 36-24, in the frame and walked away with the impressive road win.
Cole Anthony led the way for the Magic with 29 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-9 from long range, 16 rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Terrence Ross followed up with 22 points, three assists and two steals, while Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. chipped in 11 points each. The Magic shot 41 percent from the field, including 12-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Julius Randle led the Knicks with 30 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks, three assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Derrick Rose followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, while R.J. Barrett chipped in 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal. The Knicks shot 37 percent from the field, including 13-of-48 from deep.
The Knicks (2-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Sixers on Tuesday. The Magic (1-2) take on the Heat in Miami on Monday.
Sixers Hand Thunder Third Straight Loss
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 115-103, at Paycom Center on Sunday evening.
The Sixers got out to a strong start on the road with a, 36-26, lead after one quarter. The Thunder picked up the fight in the second and outscored the visitors by two, cutting it to an eight-point game by halftime. They stayed strong in the third quarter, but the 76ers would not give the hosts any space to work, as they kept the pressure on and pushed it to a nine-point game heading into the fourth. The Sixers maintained the upper hand through the final frame and closed out their second road win of the season, while this marks the third straight loss for the Thunder, who remain winless.
Seth Curry led the 76ers with 28 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 7-of-10 from long range, in 34 minutes. Joel Embiid followed up with 22 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks and a steal, while Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey chipped in 14 points each. The 76ers shot 46.6 percent from the field, including 17-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 29 points, eight assists, six rebounds, a block and a steal, in 39 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 19 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and four steals, while Luguentz Dort was the only other player to score in double digits for the Thunder with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 47.6 percent from the field, including 8-of-31 from deep.
The Thunder (0-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Tuesday. The 76ers (2-1) take on the Knicks in New York on Tuesday.
The Sixers got out to a strong start on the road with a, 36-26, lead after one quarter. The Thunder picked up the fight in the second and outscored the visitors by two, cutting it to an eight-point game by halftime. They stayed strong in the third quarter, but the 76ers would not give the hosts any space to work, as they kept the pressure on and pushed it to a nine-point game heading into the fourth. The Sixers maintained the upper hand through the final frame and closed out their second road win of the season, while this marks the third straight loss for the Thunder, who remain winless.
Seth Curry led the 76ers with 28 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 7-of-10 from long range, in 34 minutes. Joel Embiid followed up with 22 points, nine rebounds, six assists, three blocks and a steal, while Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey chipped in 14 points each. The 76ers shot 46.6 percent from the field, including 17-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 29 points, eight assists, six rebounds, a block and a steal, in 39 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 19 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and four steals, while Luguentz Dort was the only other player to score in double digits for the Thunder with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 47.6 percent from the field, including 8-of-31 from deep.
The Thunder (0-3) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Tuesday. The 76ers (2-1) take on the Knicks in New York on Tuesday.
Warriors Defeat Kings, 119-107
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 119-107, at Golden 1 Center on Sunday.
There were 13 ties and 19 lead changes through the first three quarters of this game but Golden State rode a 29-19 fourth quarter to their double-digit victory. In fact, they outscored the Kings in the second half, 59-45. Golden State shot 20-of-24 from the free-throw line while Sacramento hit just 8-of-13. In addition, the Warriors recorded 12 steals to the Kings 0 while winning the turnover battle, 19-6.
The Warriors (3-0) were led by Stephen Curry, tallying 27 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Jordan Poole provided 22 points, there rebounds, three assists and three steals. Andrew Wiggins amassed 17 points and four rebounds while Draymond Green generated 14 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
The Kings (1-2) were led by Harrison Barnes, collecting 24 points and seven rebounds. De'Aaron Fox accrued 17 points, five rebounds and six assists. Richaun Holmes finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Tyrese Haliburton had eight points, seven rebounds and nine assists while Davion Mitchell led the bench with 22 points and four assists.
On deck for Golden State is a road matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. As for Sacramento, they travel to face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday for their next outing.
There were 13 ties and 19 lead changes through the first three quarters of this game but Golden State rode a 29-19 fourth quarter to their double-digit victory. In fact, they outscored the Kings in the second half, 59-45. Golden State shot 20-of-24 from the free-throw line while Sacramento hit just 8-of-13. In addition, the Warriors recorded 12 steals to the Kings 0 while winning the turnover battle, 19-6.
The Warriors (3-0) were led by Stephen Curry, tallying 27 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Jordan Poole provided 22 points, there rebounds, three assists and three steals. Andrew Wiggins amassed 17 points and four rebounds while Draymond Green generated 14 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
The Kings (1-2) were led by Harrison Barnes, collecting 24 points and seven rebounds. De'Aaron Fox accrued 17 points, five rebounds and six assists. Richaun Holmes finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Tyrese Haliburton had eight points, seven rebounds and nine assists while Davion Mitchell led the bench with 22 points and four assists.
On deck for Golden State is a road matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. As for Sacramento, they travel to face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday for their next outing.
Lakers Defeat Grizzlies, 121-118
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 121-118, at Staples Center on Sunday.
It took seven ties and 13 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. Ja Morant actually got fouled on a three-point attempt to tie the game with less than two seconds remaining but missed the final shot of the three free-throws. The Lakers ended up shooting 54 percent from the field and 53 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 45 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. In addition, Los Angels tripled up Memphis in blocks, 12-4.
The Lakers (1-2) were led by Carmelo Anthony, providing 28 points, three rebounds and two blocks off the bench. Anthony Davis accumulated 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists and four blocks. LeBron James tallied 19 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks while Russell Westbrook generated 13 points, seven rebounds, 13 assists and four steals.
The Grizzlies (2-1) were led by Morant, finishing with 40 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Desmond Bane amassed 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Steven Adams accrued 14 points, 16 rebounds and six assists while De'Anthony Melton totaled 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. As for Memphis, they travel to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday for their next outing.
It took seven ties and 13 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. Ja Morant actually got fouled on a three-point attempt to tie the game with less than two seconds remaining but missed the final shot of the three free-throws. The Lakers ended up shooting 54 percent from the field and 53 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 45 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. In addition, Los Angels tripled up Memphis in blocks, 12-4.
The Lakers (1-2) were led by Carmelo Anthony, providing 28 points, three rebounds and two blocks off the bench. Anthony Davis accumulated 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists and four blocks. LeBron James tallied 19 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks while Russell Westbrook generated 13 points, seven rebounds, 13 assists and four steals.
The Grizzlies (2-1) were led by Morant, finishing with 40 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Desmond Bane amassed 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Steven Adams accrued 14 points, 16 rebounds and six assists while De'Anthony Melton totaled 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. As for Memphis, they travel to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday for their next outing.