Knicks Hold On, Secure Win Over Clippers
The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 110-102, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday afternoon.
The Knicks (23-24) and the Clippers (23-25) were both in dire need of a win, but New York came through and used strong starts in both halves in order to get the win and snap their three-game losing streak. New York jumped out to a 39-31 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, despite the fact that the Clippers made it a close game at halftime when they won the second quarter by a 30-27 score. Holding a slim five-point advantage, New York increased their advantage following a 25-20 score in the third quarter, and they would close things out in the final 12 minutes. The Clippers won the fourth quarter by a 21-19 score, but that was enough to mount a comeback and the Knicks won by eight points. With the win, the Knicks improved to 12-14 at home while the Clippers fell to 8-13 on the road.
R.J. Barrett was the leading scorer for the Knicks with 28 points and 14 rebounds, but he also added six assists and a block. Julius Randle also had a strong game and chipped in with 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists, but he also committed seven turnovers. Evan Fournier had 14 points, while Alec Burks ended with 10 points and four assists. No other Knicks player scored in double digits.
Reggie Jackson was the best player for the Clippers since he ended with 26 points and five assists, while Ivica Zubac contributed a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds while also adding three blocks. No other Los Angeles starter scored in double digits, but there were two decent contributions off the bench -- Luke Kennard had 14 points and Brandon Boston added 13.
The Knicks (23-24) and the Clippers (23-25) were both in dire need of a win, but New York came through and used strong starts in both halves in order to get the win and snap their three-game losing streak. New York jumped out to a 39-31 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, despite the fact that the Clippers made it a close game at halftime when they won the second quarter by a 30-27 score. Holding a slim five-point advantage, New York increased their advantage following a 25-20 score in the third quarter, and they would close things out in the final 12 minutes. The Clippers won the fourth quarter by a 21-19 score, but that was enough to mount a comeback and the Knicks won by eight points. With the win, the Knicks improved to 12-14 at home while the Clippers fell to 8-13 on the road.
R.J. Barrett was the leading scorer for the Knicks with 28 points and 14 rebounds, but he also added six assists and a block. Julius Randle also had a strong game and chipped in with 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists, but he also committed seven turnovers. Evan Fournier had 14 points, while Alec Burks ended with 10 points and four assists. No other Knicks player scored in double digits.
Reggie Jackson was the best player for the Clippers since he ended with 26 points and five assists, while Ivica Zubac contributed a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds while also adding three blocks. No other Los Angeles starter scored in double digits, but there were two decent contributions off the bench -- Luke Kennard had 14 points and Brandon Boston added 13.
Celtics Rout Wizards On The Road
The Boston Celtics defeated the Washington Wizards, 116-87, at Capital One Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The Celtics (24-24) reached the .500 threshold with one of their best performances of the season, as Boston didn’t have problems walking away with the victory against a Wizards (23-24) team that looked brutally overmatched on both ends of the hardwood. Boston jumped out to a 31-25 lead in the first quarter, and they bolstered that advantage to 15 points after outscoring the Wizards by a 29-20 score just before the halftime break. Boston continued dominating the game and also won the subsequent two quarters, 31-24 and 25-18, so this was a game where Boston completely dominated the opposition. With the win, Boston improved to 9-14 on the road and the Wizards fell to 13-11 at home.
Jayson Tatum had one of the best performances of his career and finished with 51 points while also adding 10 rebounds and seven assists across 33 minutes. Jaylen Brown had 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Marcus Smart contributed 11 points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals. No other Boston starter scored in double digits, but Grant Williams had 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench.
Bradley Beal ended with 19 points and seven assists, but he also contributed five rebounds and two steals. Kyle Kuzma had 12 points and seven rebounds, but no other Washington starter scored in double digits. Spencer Dinwiddie had four points (1-12 FG) but he also had five rebounds and five assists. Deni Avdija posted 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Thomas Bryant scored 11 points.
The Celtics (24-24) reached the .500 threshold with one of their best performances of the season, as Boston didn’t have problems walking away with the victory against a Wizards (23-24) team that looked brutally overmatched on both ends of the hardwood. Boston jumped out to a 31-25 lead in the first quarter, and they bolstered that advantage to 15 points after outscoring the Wizards by a 29-20 score just before the halftime break. Boston continued dominating the game and also won the subsequent two quarters, 31-24 and 25-18, so this was a game where Boston completely dominated the opposition. With the win, Boston improved to 9-14 on the road and the Wizards fell to 13-11 at home.
Jayson Tatum had one of the best performances of his career and finished with 51 points while also adding 10 rebounds and seven assists across 33 minutes. Jaylen Brown had 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Marcus Smart contributed 11 points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals. No other Boston starter scored in double digits, but Grant Williams had 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench.
Bradley Beal ended with 19 points and seven assists, but he also contributed five rebounds and two steals. Kyle Kuzma had 12 points and seven rebounds, but no other Washington starter scored in double digits. Spencer Dinwiddie had four points (1-12 FG) but he also had five rebounds and five assists. Deni Avdija posted 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Thomas Bryant scored 11 points.
Heat Topples Lakers, 113-107
The Miami Heat defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 113-107, at FTX Arena on Sunday evening.
The Heat (30-17) came into the contest still missing some key pieces, but it would have been difficult to tell with the way the first half unfolded. Miami already owned a 14-point lead after one quarter thanks to a 39-point output in the opening period, and they'd grown their advantage to 19 entering the fourth quarter. The Lakers (23-24) would go on to get as close as within four points with just 1:07 remaining following a LeBron James basket, but a big P.J. Tucker offensive rebound followed by a Caleb Martin bucket helped seal the win for Miami.
James led the Lakers with 33 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook furnished 24 points, adding nine rebounds and nine assists. Avery Bradley poured in 15 points. Carmelo Anthony delivered 11 points and three rebounds.
Duncan Robinson paced the Heat with 25 points, supplementing them with five boards, three assists and two steals. Jimmy Butler contributed a 20-point, 12-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that included two steals and one block. Martin supplied 15 points, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Bam Adebayo registered 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Gabe Vincent managed 11 points, six assists, one rebound and two steals.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night, while the Heat remain home and host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.
The Heat (30-17) came into the contest still missing some key pieces, but it would have been difficult to tell with the way the first half unfolded. Miami already owned a 14-point lead after one quarter thanks to a 39-point output in the opening period, and they'd grown their advantage to 19 entering the fourth quarter. The Lakers (23-24) would go on to get as close as within four points with just 1:07 remaining following a LeBron James basket, but a big P.J. Tucker offensive rebound followed by a Caleb Martin bucket helped seal the win for Miami.
James led the Lakers with 33 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook furnished 24 points, adding nine rebounds and nine assists. Avery Bradley poured in 15 points. Carmelo Anthony delivered 11 points and three rebounds.
Duncan Robinson paced the Heat with 25 points, supplementing them with five boards, three assists and two steals. Jimmy Butler contributed a 20-point, 12-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that included two steals and one block. Martin supplied 15 points, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Bam Adebayo registered 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Gabe Vincent managed 11 points, six assists, one rebound and two steals.
The Lakers remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night, while the Heat remain home and host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.
Magic Bests Bulls, 114-95
The Orlando Magic defeated the Chicago Bulls, 114-95, at Amway Center on Sunday evening.
The Magic (9-39) came into the contest as only narrow home underdogs, and after the first half, it was evident the oddsmakers were on to something. Orlando, the lowest-scoring home team in the NBA, rattled off 53 points over the first 24 minutes to take a 16-point lead into halftime. The Bulls (28-17) were able to put a five-point dent into their deficit during the third quarter, but it wasn't anywhere near enough to put the hot-shooting home squad's victory in jeopardy.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 41 points, adding five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Coby White followed with 22 points, four boards, one steal and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists.
Moritz Wagner paced the Magic with 23 points, supplementing them with four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Wendell Carter managed 19 points, seven rebounds, one assist and three blocks. Franz Wagner finished with 18 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Jalen Suggs registered 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Cole Anthony, Chuma Okeke and Ignas Brazdeikis all mustered 11 points. Anthony also recorded five assists and two rebounds, Okeke pulled down seven boards and dished out four dimes and Brazdeikis chipped in three rebounds and two assists.
The Bulls remain on the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, while the Magic remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
The Magic (9-39) came into the contest as only narrow home underdogs, and after the first half, it was evident the oddsmakers were on to something. Orlando, the lowest-scoring home team in the NBA, rattled off 53 points over the first 24 minutes to take a 16-point lead into halftime. The Bulls (28-17) were able to put a five-point dent into their deficit during the third quarter, but it wasn't anywhere near enough to put the hot-shooting home squad's victory in jeopardy.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 41 points, adding five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Coby White followed with 22 points, four boards, one steal and one block. Nikola Vucevic generated a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists.
Moritz Wagner paced the Magic with 23 points, supplementing them with four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Wendell Carter managed 19 points, seven rebounds, one assist and three blocks. Franz Wagner finished with 18 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Jalen Suggs registered 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Cole Anthony, Chuma Okeke and Ignas Brazdeikis all mustered 11 points. Anthony also recorded five assists and two rebounds, Okeke pulled down seven boards and dished out four dimes and Brazdeikis chipped in three rebounds and two assists.
The Bulls remain on the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, while the Magic remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
Trail Blazers Topple Raptors, 114-105
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 114-105, at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday evening.
The Trail Blazers (20-26) came out of the gates hot on both ends of the floor, leading to a 33-15 lead through the first 12 minutes. Portland kept coming in the second, resulting in a massive 30-point advantage over the Raptors (22-22) by halftime. Toronto did manage to put an 11-point dent in its deficit during the third quarter, and although the hosts got as close as six points with 29.1 seconds remaining, a pair of Robert Covington free throws and a Nassir Little dunk sealed the victory.
Anfernee Simons, CJ McCollum and Little co-led the Trail Blazers with 19 points apiece. Simons added five assists and three rebounds, McCollum posted 10 rebounds and six dimes and Little had seven rebounds and three assists. Ben McLemore poured in 17 points. Jusuf Nurkic generated an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, two blocks and one steal.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 28 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Fred VanVleet delivered 19 points, eight assists, five rebounds five steals and one block. Gary Trent netted 13 points. OG Anunoby and Chris Boucher generated matching 11-point tallies while pulling down eight and nine rebounds, respectively.
The Trail Blazers return home and host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night as well.
The Trail Blazers (20-26) came out of the gates hot on both ends of the floor, leading to a 33-15 lead through the first 12 minutes. Portland kept coming in the second, resulting in a massive 30-point advantage over the Raptors (22-22) by halftime. Toronto did manage to put an 11-point dent in its deficit during the third quarter, and although the hosts got as close as six points with 29.1 seconds remaining, a pair of Robert Covington free throws and a Nassir Little dunk sealed the victory.
Anfernee Simons, CJ McCollum and Little co-led the Trail Blazers with 19 points apiece. Simons added five assists and three rebounds, McCollum posted 10 rebounds and six dimes and Little had seven rebounds and three assists. Ben McLemore poured in 17 points. Jusuf Nurkic generated an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, two blocks and one steal.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 28 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Fred VanVleet delivered 19 points, eight assists, five rebounds five steals and one block. Gary Trent netted 13 points. OG Anunoby and Chris Boucher generated matching 11-point tallies while pulling down eight and nine rebounds, respectively.
The Trail Blazers return home and host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night as well.
Sixers Roll Past Spurs In San Antonio
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 115-109, at AT&T Center on Sunday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start but the 76ers pushed ahead for a six-point lead heading into the second quarter. The visitors stayed on top in the second and rallied to a 12-point lead by halftime. The Spurs pulled it together in the third, but they could not make much progress, as they trimmed it to a nine-point game, heading into the final frame. The hosts kept the pressure on and cut it to a five-point game midway through the quarter, but the 76ers maintained enough of a cushion down the stretch to close out the road win.
Joel Embiid led the way for the Sixers with 38 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and a block, in 32 minutes. Tobias Harris logged 18 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Tyrese Maxey added 18 points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Sixers shot 48 percent from the field, including 7-of-16 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jakob Poeltl led the Spurs with 25 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and four blocks, in 39 minutes. Dejounte Murray added 19 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists and a steal, while Keldon Johnson totaled 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and a block. The Spurs shot 47 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from deep.
The Spurs (17-30) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston Tuesday. The Sixers (27-19) play host to the Pelicans on Tuesday.
The contest got out to a tight start but the 76ers pushed ahead for a six-point lead heading into the second quarter. The visitors stayed on top in the second and rallied to a 12-point lead by halftime. The Spurs pulled it together in the third, but they could not make much progress, as they trimmed it to a nine-point game, heading into the final frame. The hosts kept the pressure on and cut it to a five-point game midway through the quarter, but the 76ers maintained enough of a cushion down the stretch to close out the road win.
Joel Embiid led the way for the Sixers with 38 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and a block, in 32 minutes. Tobias Harris logged 18 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Tyrese Maxey added 18 points, four rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Sixers shot 48 percent from the field, including 7-of-16 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jakob Poeltl led the Spurs with 25 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and four blocks, in 39 minutes. Dejounte Murray added 19 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists and a steal, while Keldon Johnson totaled 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and a block. The Spurs shot 47 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from deep.
The Spurs (17-30) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston Tuesday. The Sixers (27-19) play host to the Pelicans on Tuesday.
Hawks Cruise To Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host Charlotte Hornets, 113-91, at Spectrum Center on Sunday evening.
The Hawks got out to a strong start with a, 30-22, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead up to 11, by halftime. The Hornets had no answers in the second half, as the visitors came out stronger in the third quarter and rallied to a 19-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Hawks left nothing to chance down the stretch and confidently closed out their fourth straight win.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. De'Andre Hunter followed up with 20 points, two rebounds,, three steals and a block, while Danilo Gallinari added 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block, off the bench. The Hawks shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from deep.
Meanwhile, Miles Bridges totaled 19 points, six rebounds and a block, while LaMelo Ball totaled 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and a block, to lead the Hornets. P.J. Washington added 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Kelly Oubre Jr. tallied 12 points and five rebounds. The Hornets shot 39 percent from the field, including just 4-of-36 from long range.
The Hornets (26-21) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Tuesday. The Hawks (21-25) play host to the Kings on Wednesday.
The Hawks got out to a strong start with a, 30-22, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead up to 11, by halftime. The Hornets had no answers in the second half, as the visitors came out stronger in the third quarter and rallied to a 19-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Hawks left nothing to chance down the stretch and confidently closed out their fourth straight win.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. De'Andre Hunter followed up with 20 points, two rebounds,, three steals and a block, while Danilo Gallinari added 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block, off the bench. The Hawks shot 45.5 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from deep.
Meanwhile, Miles Bridges totaled 19 points, six rebounds and a block, while LaMelo Ball totaled 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and a block, to lead the Hornets. P.J. Washington added 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Kelly Oubre Jr. tallied 12 points and five rebounds. The Hornets shot 39 percent from the field, including just 4-of-36 from long range.
The Hornets (26-21) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Tuesday. The Hawks (21-25) play host to the Kings on Wednesday.
Mavs Dominant In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 104-91, at American Airlines Center on Sunday evening.
The Mavs jumped out to a good start with a, 24-16, lead after one quarter, and they stayed in control through the second, pushing their lead to 14, by halftime. The Grizzlies had no answers in the third, as the hosts added another two points to their advantage to take a 16-point lead into the final frame. The visitors put up a fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Mavs closed out the home win.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavs with 37 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Kristaps Porzingis followed up with 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and six blocks, while Jalen Brunson added 13 points, three assists and a steal. The Mavs shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 35 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 41 minutes. Steven Adams logged five points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a steal, while De'Anthony Melton tallied 12 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block. The Grizzlies shot 37 percent from the field including 4-of-24 from long range.
The Grizzlies (32-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs on Wednesday. The Mavs (27-20) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Tuesday.
The Mavs jumped out to a good start with a, 24-16, lead after one quarter, and they stayed in control through the second, pushing their lead to 14, by halftime. The Grizzlies had no answers in the third, as the hosts added another two points to their advantage to take a 16-point lead into the final frame. The visitors put up a fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Mavs closed out the home win.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavs with 37 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and a block, in 38 minutes. Kristaps Porzingis followed up with 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and six blocks, while Jalen Brunson added 13 points, three assists and a steal. The Mavs shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 35 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 41 minutes. Steven Adams logged five points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a steal, while De'Anthony Melton tallied 12 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block. The Grizzlies shot 37 percent from the field including 4-of-24 from long range.
The Grizzlies (32-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs on Wednesday. The Mavs (27-20) take on the Warriors in Golden State on Tuesday.
Nuggets Defeat Pistons, 117-111
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Detroit Pistons, 117-111, at Ball Arena on Sunday.
While there were eight ties and nine lead changes in this game, Denver led for all but a handful of minutes, That can be attributed to a 32-16 third quarter, with the Nuggets getting their lead up to 16 points at times. With that said, Detroit tied the game with 40 seconds remaining but the Nuggets scored the final six points to close out their victory. Denver won the turnover battle, 22-11, doubling up Detroit in steals, 8-4. In addition, the Nuggets outscored the Pistons in the paint, 60-48.
The Pistons (11-35) were led by Cory Joseph and his 18 points, three rebounds and six assists. Isaiah Stewart had 18 points and three rebounds, making all eight of his shots. Cade Cunningham collected 18 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Trey Lyles led the bench with 18 points and five rebounds, while Saddiq Bey amassed 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Nuggets (24-21) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 34 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Will Barton totaled 14 points, six rebounds and five assists. Aaron Gordon generated 13 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Zeke Nnaji and Bryn Forbes led the bench with 12 points apiece.
These teams will play a rematch in Detroit on Tuesday for their next outing.
While there were eight ties and nine lead changes in this game, Denver led for all but a handful of minutes, That can be attributed to a 32-16 third quarter, with the Nuggets getting their lead up to 16 points at times. With that said, Detroit tied the game with 40 seconds remaining but the Nuggets scored the final six points to close out their victory. Denver won the turnover battle, 22-11, doubling up Detroit in steals, 8-4. In addition, the Nuggets outscored the Pistons in the paint, 60-48.
The Pistons (11-35) were led by Cory Joseph and his 18 points, three rebounds and six assists. Isaiah Stewart had 18 points and three rebounds, making all eight of his shots. Cade Cunningham collected 18 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Trey Lyles led the bench with 18 points and five rebounds, while Saddiq Bey amassed 11 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Nuggets (24-21) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 34 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Will Barton totaled 14 points, six rebounds and five assists. Aaron Gordon generated 13 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Zeke Nnaji and Bryn Forbes led the bench with 12 points apiece.
These teams will play a rematch in Detroit on Tuesday for their next outing.
T'Wolves Defeat Nets, 136-125
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 136-125, at Target Center on Sunday.
A 35-26 second quarter carried Minnesota to their win, getting their lead up to 17 points at times in the second half. In fact, the Timberwolves led by at least four points for the final 30 minutes, finishing the game on a 30-23 run. Minnesota shot 52 percent from the field, 44 percent from three-point range and 84 percent from the free-throw line. In addition, the Timberwolves recorded 11 steals and seven blocks while the Nets had just four steals and one block. That led to the T'Wolves winning the turnover battle 17-9.
The Nets (28-17) were led by Kyrie Irving and his 30 points, six rebounds and five assists. Patty Mills dropped 21 points and three rebounds. Kessler Edwards accrued 15 points and five rebounds, while James Harden collected 13 points, five rebounds and 13 assists. James Johnson led the bench with seven points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Timberwolves (23-23) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 25 points and four assists. Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. D'Angelo Russell finished with 23 points, five rebounds and 10 assists, while Jaden McDaniels had 14 points and four rebounds. Jaylen Nowell led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Minnesota traveling to face the Portland Trail Blazers and Brooklyn returning home to play the Los Angeles Lakers.
A 35-26 second quarter carried Minnesota to their win, getting their lead up to 17 points at times in the second half. In fact, the Timberwolves led by at least four points for the final 30 minutes, finishing the game on a 30-23 run. Minnesota shot 52 percent from the field, 44 percent from three-point range and 84 percent from the free-throw line. In addition, the Timberwolves recorded 11 steals and seven blocks while the Nets had just four steals and one block. That led to the T'Wolves winning the turnover battle 17-9.
The Nets (28-17) were led by Kyrie Irving and his 30 points, six rebounds and five assists. Patty Mills dropped 21 points and three rebounds. Kessler Edwards accrued 15 points and five rebounds, while James Harden collected 13 points, five rebounds and 13 assists. James Johnson led the bench with seven points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Timberwolves (23-23) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 25 points and four assists. Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. D'Angelo Russell finished with 23 points, five rebounds and 10 assists, while Jaden McDaniels had 14 points and four rebounds. Jaylen Nowell led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Minnesota traveling to face the Portland Trail Blazers and Brooklyn returning home to play the Los Angeles Lakers.
Warriors Defeat Jazz, 94-92
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 94-92, at Chase Center on Sunday.
While there were only five ties and seven lead changes in this game, it came down to the final shot. In fact, Utah missed a game-winning three with 1.8 seconds remaining and missed on a game-tying putback off that same miss. Golden State actually rode a 28-21 third quarter to take control, despite Utah outscoring Golden State, 17-11, in the final frame. The Warriors shot 43 percent from the field while holding the Jazz to 38 percent shooting.
The Jazz (31-17) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, amassing 21 points and eight rebounds. Rudy Gobert registered 12 points, 18 rebounds and three assists. Joe Ingles accrued 10 points, two rebounds and five assists, while Mike Conley compiled nine points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Rudy Gay led the bench with 16 points and five rebounds.
The Warriors (34-13) were led by Jordan Poole and his 20 points, three rebounds and two assists. Andrew Wiggins totaled 14 points, five rebounds and two steals. Stephen Curry went 1-of-13 from three-point range to finish with 13 points, four rebounds and six assists. Otto Porter provided 13 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
Utah has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, traveling to face the Phoenix Suns. As for Golden State, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.
While there were only five ties and seven lead changes in this game, it came down to the final shot. In fact, Utah missed a game-winning three with 1.8 seconds remaining and missed on a game-tying putback off that same miss. Golden State actually rode a 28-21 third quarter to take control, despite Utah outscoring Golden State, 17-11, in the final frame. The Warriors shot 43 percent from the field while holding the Jazz to 38 percent shooting.
The Jazz (31-17) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, amassing 21 points and eight rebounds. Rudy Gobert registered 12 points, 18 rebounds and three assists. Joe Ingles accrued 10 points, two rebounds and five assists, while Mike Conley compiled nine points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Rudy Gay led the bench with 16 points and five rebounds.
The Warriors (34-13) were led by Jordan Poole and his 20 points, three rebounds and two assists. Andrew Wiggins totaled 14 points, five rebounds and two steals. Stephen Curry went 1-of-13 from three-point range to finish with 13 points, four rebounds and six assists. Otto Porter provided 13 points, eight rebounds and three steals.
Utah has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, traveling to face the Phoenix Suns. As for Golden State, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.