Lakers Defeat Magic, 116-105
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Orlando Magic, 116-105, at Amway Center on Friday.
While Orlando led 62-54 at the half, Los Angeles responded with a 31-16 third quarter to take control. That allowed the Lakers to lead by at least seven points for the final 18 minutes of play. With that said, there were 13 ties and 12 lead changes before that big run. The Lakers shot 49 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Magic to 44 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. In addition, Los Angeles out-rebounded Orlando, 45-35, while doubling them up in steals, 12-6.
The Lakers (23-23) were led by LeBron James, tallying 29 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Russel Westbrook collected 18 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 23 points and three rebounds. Avery Bradley accrued nine points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Magic (8-39) were led by Jalen Suggs and his 22 points, four rebounds, nine assists, two steals and two blocks. Franz Wagner amassed 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Gary Harris generated 13 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Mo Bamba had 11 points and eight rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr led the bench with 19 points and five boards.
Both teams return to action on Sunday against the top teams in the Eastern Conference, with Orlando playing host to the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles traveling to face the Miami Heat.
While Orlando led 62-54 at the half, Los Angeles responded with a 31-16 third quarter to take control. That allowed the Lakers to lead by at least seven points for the final 18 minutes of play. With that said, there were 13 ties and 12 lead changes before that big run. The Lakers shot 49 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Magic to 44 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. In addition, Los Angeles out-rebounded Orlando, 45-35, while doubling them up in steals, 12-6.
The Lakers (23-23) were led by LeBron James, tallying 29 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Russel Westbrook collected 18 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 23 points and three rebounds. Avery Bradley accrued nine points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Magic (8-39) were led by Jalen Suggs and his 22 points, four rebounds, nine assists, two steals and two blocks. Franz Wagner amassed 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Gary Harris generated 13 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Mo Bamba had 11 points and eight rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr led the bench with 19 points and five boards.
Both teams return to action on Sunday against the top teams in the Eastern Conference, with Orlando playing host to the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles traveling to face the Miami Heat.
Clippers Edge 76ers, 102-101
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 102-101, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.
The game began encouragingly enough for the underdog Clippers (23-24), which emerged from the first quarter with a 24-17 lead. However, the 76ers (26-19) appeared to change the dynamic of the contest for good in the second quarter, erasing their deficit altogether and building a 14-point advantage going into halftime during a dominant second quarter. After Los Angeles was only able to make a four-point dent in its deficit in the third period, Philadelphia appeared to be on the way to victory, but the visitors fought all the way back to take a three-point lead with 18.2 seconds remaining. Nevertheless, the comeback win wasn't secured until Tyrese Maxey missed a would-be game-winning floating jumper with under a second left.
Reggie Jackson led the Clippers with 19 points, adding nine assists and three rebounds. Nicolas Batum furnished 15 points, seven boards, three assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac and Marcus Morris posted 12 points apiece while pulling down 10 and nine rebounds, respectively. Amir Coffey delivered 12 points and three boards. Isaiah Hartenstein and Luke Kennard generated matching 10-point tallies.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with a 40-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists and one block. Tobias Harris posted 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Maxey contributed 19 points, eight assists and two rebounds.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the New York Knicks on Sunday afternoon, while the 76ers visit the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night.
The game began encouragingly enough for the underdog Clippers (23-24), which emerged from the first quarter with a 24-17 lead. However, the 76ers (26-19) appeared to change the dynamic of the contest for good in the second quarter, erasing their deficit altogether and building a 14-point advantage going into halftime during a dominant second quarter. After Los Angeles was only able to make a four-point dent in its deficit in the third period, Philadelphia appeared to be on the way to victory, but the visitors fought all the way back to take a three-point lead with 18.2 seconds remaining. Nevertheless, the comeback win wasn't secured until Tyrese Maxey missed a would-be game-winning floating jumper with under a second left.
Reggie Jackson led the Clippers with 19 points, adding nine assists and three rebounds. Nicolas Batum furnished 15 points, seven boards, three assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac and Marcus Morris posted 12 points apiece while pulling down 10 and nine rebounds, respectively. Amir Coffey delivered 12 points and three boards. Isaiah Hartenstein and Luke Kennard generated matching 10-point tallies.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with a 40-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists and one block. Tobias Harris posted 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Maxey contributed 19 points, eight assists and two rebounds.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the New York Knicks on Sunday afternoon, while the 76ers visit the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night.
Hornets Defeat Thunder, 121-98
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 121-98, at Spectrum Center on Friday.
Charlotte won or tied all four quarters in this game, riding a 37-20 first quarter to this dominating win. In fact, they held the lead for the final 45 minutes and led by at least eight points for the final three quarters after that lopsided opening frame. The Hornets shot 46 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding the Thunder to 38 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. They also out-rebounded them, 62-52, while out-assisting the Thunder, 34-20.
The Thunder (14-31) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his 29 points, five rebounds and six assists. Josh Giddey scored a career-high 21 points to go along with nine rebounds and three assists. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl had 12 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals. No other player had more than seven points, six rebounds or three assists.
The Hornets (26-20) were led by Terry Rozier, tallying 24 points, five rebounds and nine assists. Miles Bridges amassed 22 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Gordon Hayward generated 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. LaMelo Ball collected 10 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Oklahoma City has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, traveling to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. As for Charlotte, they remain home to play that Atlanta Hawks.
Charlotte won or tied all four quarters in this game, riding a 37-20 first quarter to this dominating win. In fact, they held the lead for the final 45 minutes and led by at least eight points for the final three quarters after that lopsided opening frame. The Hornets shot 46 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding the Thunder to 38 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. They also out-rebounded them, 62-52, while out-assisting the Thunder, 34-20.
The Thunder (14-31) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his 29 points, five rebounds and six assists. Josh Giddey scored a career-high 21 points to go along with nine rebounds and three assists. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl had 12 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals. No other player had more than seven points, six rebounds or three assists.
The Hornets (26-20) were led by Terry Rozier, tallying 24 points, five rebounds and nine assists. Miles Bridges amassed 22 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Gordon Hayward generated 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. LaMelo Ball collected 10 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
Oklahoma City has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, traveling to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. As for Charlotte, they remain home to play that Atlanta Hawks.
Hawks Defeat Heat, 110-108
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 110-108, at State Farm Arena on Friday.
While the Hawks held the lead for the final three quarters of this game, it wasn't decided until the final shot. In fact, Miami finished on a 14-5 run but missed their final three shots in the closing 30 seconds, with two of them being game-tying shots and the other a three. Atlanta outscored Miami in the first half, 60-51, getting their lead up to 18 points late in the third quarter. The Hawks shot 56 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Heat to 48 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range.
The Heat (29-17) were led by Bam Adebayo, amassing 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. Duncan Robinson totaled 19 points and three assists. Gabe Vincent accrued 14 points, two rebounds and nine assists, while Jimmy Butler tallied 13 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Max Strus led the bench with 15 points and four assists.
The Hawks (20-25) were led by Trae Young and his 28 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Huerter had 21 points, two rebounds and four assists. John Collins compiled 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while De'Andre Hunter generated 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Lou Williams and Delon Wright led the bench with nine points apiece.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Atlanta traveling to face the Charlotte Hornets and Miami returning home to play the Los Angeles Lakers.
While the Hawks held the lead for the final three quarters of this game, it wasn't decided until the final shot. In fact, Miami finished on a 14-5 run but missed their final three shots in the closing 30 seconds, with two of them being game-tying shots and the other a three. Atlanta outscored Miami in the first half, 60-51, getting their lead up to 18 points late in the third quarter. The Hawks shot 56 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Heat to 48 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range.
The Heat (29-17) were led by Bam Adebayo, amassing 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. Duncan Robinson totaled 19 points and three assists. Gabe Vincent accrued 14 points, two rebounds and nine assists, while Jimmy Butler tallied 13 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Max Strus led the bench with 15 points and four assists.
The Hawks (20-25) were led by Trae Young and his 28 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Huerter had 21 points, two rebounds and four assists. John Collins compiled 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while De'Andre Hunter generated 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Lou Williams and Delon Wright led the bench with nine points apiece.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Atlanta traveling to face the Charlotte Hornets and Miami returning home to play the Los Angeles Lakers.
Trail Blazers Get Past Celtics, 109-105
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Boston Celtics, 109-105, at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Trail Blazers (19-26) came into the contest with just four wins in 19 road games, but they held a 30-25 lead after one quarter. However, the Celtics (23-24) bounced back to erase their deficit and build a four-point advantage by halftime. The rollercoaster affair went into the final period with Portland holding a one-point edge, but Boston would eventually be ahead by as much as 11 with 7:19 remaining. However, the visitors subsequently finished on a 20-5 run over the final 5:32 to secure the win.
Jusuf Nurkic led the Trail Blazers with a 29-point, 17-rebound double-double that included six assists, one steal and one block. CJ McCollum delivered 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Anfernee Simons furnished 21 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Ben McLemore poured in 12 points.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 27 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds and seven assists. Jaylen Brown supplied 22 points, five boards and five assists. Grant Williams totaled 13 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Romeo Langford mustered 12 points, two boards and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening, while the Celtics visit the Washington Wizards on Sunday afternoon.
The Trail Blazers (19-26) came into the contest with just four wins in 19 road games, but they held a 30-25 lead after one quarter. However, the Celtics (23-24) bounced back to erase their deficit and build a four-point advantage by halftime. The rollercoaster affair went into the final period with Portland holding a one-point edge, but Boston would eventually be ahead by as much as 11 with 7:19 remaining. However, the visitors subsequently finished on a 20-5 run over the final 5:32 to secure the win.
Jusuf Nurkic led the Trail Blazers with a 29-point, 17-rebound double-double that included six assists, one steal and one block. CJ McCollum delivered 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Anfernee Simons furnished 21 points, four assists, two rebounds and two steals. Ben McLemore poured in 12 points.
Jayson Tatum paced the Celtics with 27 points, supplementing them with 10 rebounds and seven assists. Jaylen Brown supplied 22 points, five boards and five assists. Grant Williams totaled 13 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Romeo Langford mustered 12 points, two boards and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening, while the Celtics visit the Washington Wizards on Sunday afternoon.
Bucks Get Past Bulls, 94-90
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Chicago Bulls, 94-90, at Fiserv Forum on Friday night.
A nip-and-tuck first half culminated with the Bucks (29-19) holding a one-point lead, but it was the Bulls (28-16) with a one-point edge heading into the final period. Milwaukee would eventually re-take the advantage, and although a late 7-3 run got Chicago within two points with 1:10 remaining, but a pair of Khris Middleton free throws and missed late shot attempts by Ayo Dosunmu and Nikola Vucevic allowed the hosts to escape with the narrow victory.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 35 points, complementing them with six rebounds and three assists. Vucevic generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Matt Thomas contributed 11 points and three rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 30 points, supplementing them with 12 boards, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Middleton turned in 16 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Jrue Holiday registered 13 points, four boards and two assists. Bobby Portis generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist.
The Bulls remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Sunday evening, while the Bucks remain home and host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.
A nip-and-tuck first half culminated with the Bucks (29-19) holding a one-point lead, but it was the Bulls (28-16) with a one-point edge heading into the final period. Milwaukee would eventually re-take the advantage, and although a late 7-3 run got Chicago within two points with 1:10 remaining, but a pair of Khris Middleton free throws and missed late shot attempts by Ayo Dosunmu and Nikola Vucevic allowed the hosts to escape with the narrow victory.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 35 points, complementing them with six rebounds and three assists. Vucevic generated a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Matt Thomas contributed 11 points and three rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 30 points, supplementing them with 12 boards, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Middleton turned in 16 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Jrue Holiday registered 13 points, four boards and two assists. Bobby Portis generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one assist.
The Bulls remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Sunday evening, while the Bucks remain home and host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.
Raptors Come Up Clutch To Close Out Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Washington Wizards, 109-105, at Capital One Arena on Friday evening.
The Wizards jumped out to a quick start at home and led by 10, after one quarter. They pushed their lead as high as 13, early in the second, but the Raptors rallied back to take a one-point lead by halftime. The Raptors carried the momentum into the third and outscored the Wizards, 36-23, in the quarter to build a 14-point lead heading into the final frame. The Wizards kept up the fight and managed to tie the game at 102, with 1:10 left. However, the visitors came up with a couple clutch baskets to seal the hard-fought road win. This marks the second straight loss for the Wizards.
Scottie Barnes led the way for the Raptors with 27 points, eight rebounds and a steal, in 40 minutes. Fred VanVleet totaled 21 points, 12 assists, two steals and two blocks, while Pascal Siakam finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Raptors shot 47 percent from the field including 11-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 25 points, five rebounds and eight assists, in 40 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 17 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Rui Hachimura chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds. The Wizards shot 51 precent from the field, including 11-of-33 from long range.
The Wizards (23-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Celtics on Sunday. The Raptors (22-21) play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday.
The Wizards jumped out to a quick start at home and led by 10, after one quarter. They pushed their lead as high as 13, early in the second, but the Raptors rallied back to take a one-point lead by halftime. The Raptors carried the momentum into the third and outscored the Wizards, 36-23, in the quarter to build a 14-point lead heading into the final frame. The Wizards kept up the fight and managed to tie the game at 102, with 1:10 left. However, the visitors came up with a couple clutch baskets to seal the hard-fought road win. This marks the second straight loss for the Wizards.
Scottie Barnes led the way for the Raptors with 27 points, eight rebounds and a steal, in 40 minutes. Fred VanVleet totaled 21 points, 12 assists, two steals and two blocks, while Pascal Siakam finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Raptors shot 47 percent from the field including 11-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 25 points, five rebounds and eight assists, in 40 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie followed up with 17 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Rui Hachimura chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds. The Wizards shot 51 precent from the field, including 11-of-33 from long range.
The Wizards (23-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Celtics on Sunday. The Raptors (22-21) play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday.
Nets Rally For Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 117-102, at AT&T Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Spurs led, 26-24, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second and the Spurs held a one-point edge at halftime. The Nets came out stronger in the third and rallied ahead to take a five-point advantage into the final frame. They kept the momentum going in the fourth and outscored the hosts, 38-28, in the quarter to run away with their second straight win.
James Harden led the way for the Nets with 37 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 24 points, three rebounds and four assists, while LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block. The Nets shot 48 percent from the field, including 9-of-25 from deep.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 25 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Derrick White followed up with 17 points, six rebounds and seven assists, while Jakob Poeltl totaled 15 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. The Spurs shot 39 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from long range.
The Spurs (17-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Sunday. The Nets (29-16) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Sunday.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Spurs led, 26-24, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second and the Spurs held a one-point edge at halftime. The Nets came out stronger in the third and rallied ahead to take a five-point advantage into the final frame. They kept the momentum going in the fourth and outscored the hosts, 38-28, in the quarter to run away with their second straight win.
James Harden led the way for the Nets with 37 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and a block, in 37 minutes. Kyrie Irving followed up with 24 points, three rebounds and four assists, while LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 16 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a block. The Nets shot 48 percent from the field, including 9-of-25 from deep.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 25 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Derrick White followed up with 17 points, six rebounds and seven assists, while Jakob Poeltl totaled 15 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. The Spurs shot 39 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from long range.
The Spurs (17-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Sunday. The Nets (29-16) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Sunday.
Grizzlies Finish Strong In Denver
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 122-118, at Ball Arena on Friday evening.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a great start with a, 37-28, lead after one quarter. They kept control through the second, but the Nuggets rallied late in the quarter to cut it to a five-point game by halftime. The hosts carried the momentum into the third and led for most of the quarter, but the Grizzlies closed the quarter on a, 9-1, run to take a six-point lead into the final frame. The Grizzlies rallied to a game-high 14-point lead early in the fourth and held on the rest of the way to secure the road win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 38 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. De'Anthony Melton followed up with 21 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Jaren Jackson totaled 20 points, five rebounds and four blocks. The Grizzlies shot 52 percent from the field, including 11-of-25 from long range.
Meanwhile, Will Barton led the Nuggets with 27 points, five rebounds, eight assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Nikola Jokic totaled 26 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and a block, while Aaron Gordon logged 16 points, six rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block. The Nuggets shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-32 from deep.
The Nuggets (23-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pistons on Sunday. The Grizzlies (32-16) take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Sunday.
The Grizzlies jumped out to a great start with a, 37-28, lead after one quarter. They kept control through the second, but the Nuggets rallied late in the quarter to cut it to a five-point game by halftime. The hosts carried the momentum into the third and led for most of the quarter, but the Grizzlies closed the quarter on a, 9-1, run to take a six-point lead into the final frame. The Grizzlies rallied to a game-high 14-point lead early in the fourth and held on the rest of the way to secure the road win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 38 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 37 minutes. De'Anthony Melton followed up with 21 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Jaren Jackson totaled 20 points, five rebounds and four blocks. The Grizzlies shot 52 percent from the field, including 11-of-25 from long range.
Meanwhile, Will Barton led the Nuggets with 27 points, five rebounds, eight assists and a block, in 38 minutes. Nikola Jokic totaled 26 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists, two steals and a block, while Aaron Gordon logged 16 points, six rebounds, nine assists, two steals and a block. The Nuggets shot 47 percent from the field, including 13-of-32 from deep.
The Nuggets (23-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pistons on Sunday. The Grizzlies (32-16) take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Sunday.
Jazz Defeat Pistons, 111-101
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 111-101, at Vivint Arena on Friday.
There were eight ties and 12 lead changes in this tight game, with the final spread being the largest lead in the game. In fact, Utah finished the game on a 16-7 run to grab that game-high lead and their victory. The Jazz shot 46 percent from the field and 85 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Pistons below 44 percent from the field and 75 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Utah outscored Detroit in the paint, 50-34, and in second-chance points, 14-8.
The Pistons (11-34) were led by Cade Cunningham, collecting 25 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks. Saddiq Bey amassed 13 points, four assists and two steals. Cory Joseph accrued eight points, four rebounds and three assists, while Trey Lyles led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Jazz (30-16) were led by Rudy Gobert, registering 24 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks on 8-of-11 from the field. Bojan Bogdanovic totaled 23 points, six rebounds and two assists. Mike Conley compiled 19 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 20 points and four rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Detroit remaining on the road to face the Denver Nuggets and Utah traveling to face the Golden State Warriors.
There were eight ties and 12 lead changes in this tight game, with the final spread being the largest lead in the game. In fact, Utah finished the game on a 16-7 run to grab that game-high lead and their victory. The Jazz shot 46 percent from the field and 85 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Pistons below 44 percent from the field and 75 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Utah outscored Detroit in the paint, 50-34, and in second-chance points, 14-8.
The Pistons (11-34) were led by Cade Cunningham, collecting 25 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and three blocks. Saddiq Bey amassed 13 points, four assists and two steals. Cory Joseph accrued eight points, four rebounds and three assists, while Trey Lyles led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Jazz (30-16) were led by Rudy Gobert, registering 24 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks on 8-of-11 from the field. Bojan Bogdanovic totaled 23 points, six rebounds and two assists. Mike Conley compiled 19 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 20 points and four rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Detroit remaining on the road to face the Denver Nuggets and Utah traveling to face the Golden State Warriors.
Warriors Defeat Rockets, 105-103
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 105-103, at Chase Center on Friday.
It took nine ties and nine lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with Houston leading for all but a few minutes. With that said, Golden State rode a 62-49 second half to their comeback win, capping it off with a buzzer-beater by Stephen Curry. The Warriors shot 48 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding the Rockets to 43 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. In addition, Golden State tripled up Houston in blocks, 9-3.
The Rockets (14-33) were led by Christian Wood, collecting 19 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Kevin Porter Jr provided 17 points, eight assists and four steals. Eric Gordon amassed 10 points and three assists, while Jae'Sean Tate totaled 10 points and three rebounds. KJ Martin led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Warriors (33-13) were led by Curry collecting 22 points, four rebounds and 12 assists on 6-of-21 from the field. Jordan Poole accrued 20 points, three rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins accrued 17 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Kevon Looney had eight points 12 rebounds and four blocks.
On deck for Golden State is a home matchup with the Utah Jazz on Sunday. As for Houston, they're off until Tuesday when they play host to the San Antonio Spurs.
It took nine ties and nine lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with Houston leading for all but a few minutes. With that said, Golden State rode a 62-49 second half to their comeback win, capping it off with a buzzer-beater by Stephen Curry. The Warriors shot 48 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding the Rockets to 43 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. In addition, Golden State tripled up Houston in blocks, 9-3.
The Rockets (14-33) were led by Christian Wood, collecting 19 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Kevin Porter Jr provided 17 points, eight assists and four steals. Eric Gordon amassed 10 points and three assists, while Jae'Sean Tate totaled 10 points and three rebounds. KJ Martin led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Warriors (33-13) were led by Curry collecting 22 points, four rebounds and 12 assists on 6-of-21 from the field. Jordan Poole accrued 20 points, three rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins accrued 17 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Kevon Looney had eight points 12 rebounds and four blocks.
On deck for Golden State is a home matchup with the Utah Jazz on Sunday. As for Houston, they're off until Tuesday when they play host to the San Antonio Spurs.