Nuggets Secure Win Over Pistons
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 110-105, at Little Caesars Arena on Tuesday night.
The Nuggets (25-21) were expected to run away with the game against the Pistons (11-36), and while that seemed to be the case during prolonged stretches, it’s also worth noting that Detroit attempted a late comeback in the fourth quarter and Denver had to tighten things up to avoid the upset. The Pistons jumped out to a 34-32 lead in the first quarter and bolstered that advantage to 10 points after a 35-27 score in the second quarter, setting up the stage for what would’ve been a comfortable victory. The Nuggets extended their edge to 12 points with a 28-26 score in the third quarter, but Detroit didn’t give up and tried to mount a comeback late in the fourth. Even though the Pistons won the final quarter by seven points (20-13), they fell short and couldn’t stage what would’ve been an epic comeback against one of the best teams in the Western Conference.
Nikola Jokic led the way for Denver and ended just one assist shy of what would’ve been a double-double, as he ended with 28 points, 21 rebounds and nine assists. Jeff Green had 20 points and four rebounds, and Aaron Gordon contributed 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. Monte Morris had 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists, and Austin Rivers chipped in with 10 points. No other Denver player scored in double digits.
Cade Cunningham had another impressive performance and finished with 34 points while also adding eight rebounds and eight assists, and Hamidou Diallo contributed 14 points and five boards. Saddiq Bey notched 21 points, three assists and two steals, and Frank Jackson added 11 points coming off the bench. Trey Lyles delivered 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (25-21) were expected to run away with the game against the Pistons (11-36), and while that seemed to be the case during prolonged stretches, it’s also worth noting that Detroit attempted a late comeback in the fourth quarter and Denver had to tighten things up to avoid the upset. The Pistons jumped out to a 34-32 lead in the first quarter and bolstered that advantage to 10 points after a 35-27 score in the second quarter, setting up the stage for what would’ve been a comfortable victory. The Nuggets extended their edge to 12 points with a 28-26 score in the third quarter, but Detroit didn’t give up and tried to mount a comeback late in the fourth. Even though the Pistons won the final quarter by seven points (20-13), they fell short and couldn’t stage what would’ve been an epic comeback against one of the best teams in the Western Conference.
Nikola Jokic led the way for Denver and ended just one assist shy of what would’ve been a double-double, as he ended with 28 points, 21 rebounds and nine assists. Jeff Green had 20 points and four rebounds, and Aaron Gordon contributed 16 points, five rebounds and five assists. Monte Morris had 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists, and Austin Rivers chipped in with 10 points. No other Denver player scored in double digits.
Cade Cunningham had another impressive performance and finished with 34 points while also adding eight rebounds and eight assists, and Hamidou Diallo contributed 14 points and five boards. Saddiq Bey notched 21 points, three assists and two steals, and Frank Jackson added 11 points coming off the bench. Trey Lyles delivered 10 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Sixers Bounce Back To Get Past Pelicans
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 117-107, at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night.
The 76ers (28-19) and the Pelicans (18-29) played an encounter that proved to be tighter than what anyone could have expected based on both teams’ records, but in the end, Philadelphia secured a rather easy win against one of the most underperforming teams in the Western Conference. New Orleans enjoyed a better start and jumped out to a 24-20 lead in the first quarter, an advantage they would extend following a 34-30 score in the second quarter. However, Philadelphia played the second half with a different approach and outscored their rivals by a 36-28 score in the third quarter, evening up the scoreboard with only 12 minutes left on the clock. Philadelphia carried that momentum into the final quarter and outscored their rivals by 10 points in the final minutes (31-21), winning the game comfortably despite the fact that it seemed as if that wouldn’t be the case based on the first-half outcome.
Joel Embiid led the way for the Sixers with 42 points, but he also added 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Tobias Harris had 33 points and 11 boards, but he also chipped in with two blocks. Furkan Korkmaz had 13 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Tyrese Maxey delivered 10 points, five dimes and three boards. Philadelphia shot 46.4 percent from the field.
Willy Hernangomez was one of New Orleans’ best players and ended with 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 31 points to go along with five assists and four rebounds. Herbert Jones had 12 points, and Jose Alvarado delivered 11 points as a starter. Jaxson Hayes impressed and recorded 15 points with five boards off the bench. New Orleans shot 48.2 percent from the field.
The 76ers (28-19) and the Pelicans (18-29) played an encounter that proved to be tighter than what anyone could have expected based on both teams’ records, but in the end, Philadelphia secured a rather easy win against one of the most underperforming teams in the Western Conference. New Orleans enjoyed a better start and jumped out to a 24-20 lead in the first quarter, an advantage they would extend following a 34-30 score in the second quarter. However, Philadelphia played the second half with a different approach and outscored their rivals by a 36-28 score in the third quarter, evening up the scoreboard with only 12 minutes left on the clock. Philadelphia carried that momentum into the final quarter and outscored their rivals by 10 points in the final minutes (31-21), winning the game comfortably despite the fact that it seemed as if that wouldn’t be the case based on the first-half outcome.
Joel Embiid led the way for the Sixers with 42 points, but he also added 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Tobias Harris had 33 points and 11 boards, but he also chipped in with two blocks. Furkan Korkmaz had 13 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Tyrese Maxey delivered 10 points, five dimes and three boards. Philadelphia shot 46.4 percent from the field.
Willy Hernangomez was one of New Orleans’ best players and ended with 29 points and 10 rebounds, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 31 points to go along with five assists and four rebounds. Herbert Jones had 12 points, and Jose Alvarado delivered 11 points as a starter. Jaxson Hayes impressed and recorded 15 points with five boards off the bench. New Orleans shot 48.2 percent from the field.
Clippers Rally For Impressive Comeback
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Washington Wizards, 116-115, at Capital One Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Wizards got out to a good start at home, with a nine-point lead after one quarter. They turned up the heat in the second and outscored the visitors, 34-13, to take a 30-point lead by halftime. However, the Clippers flipped the script in the second half, as they outscored the hosts, 40-27, in the third quarter, and then, 40-22, in the final quarter to run away with the hard-fought road win. Luke Kennard came up clutch with a four-point play to put the Clippers up by one, with 1.9 seconds left on the clock, which was enough to complete the comeback.
Amir Coffey led the way for the Clippers with 29 points, five rebounds, two steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Luke Kennard followed up with 25 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Terance Mann and Isaiah Hartenstein added 16 points each. The Clippers shot 41.5 percent from the field, including 38 percent from long range.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Kyle Kuzma followed up with 19 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Daniel Gafford, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell chipped in 12 points each. The Wizards shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-27 from long range.
The Wizards (23-25) will look to bounce back as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Saturday. The Clippers (24-25) take on the Magic in Orlando on Wednesday.
The Wizards got out to a good start at home, with a nine-point lead after one quarter. They turned up the heat in the second and outscored the visitors, 34-13, to take a 30-point lead by halftime. However, the Clippers flipped the script in the second half, as they outscored the hosts, 40-27, in the third quarter, and then, 40-22, in the final quarter to run away with the hard-fought road win. Luke Kennard came up clutch with a four-point play to put the Clippers up by one, with 1.9 seconds left on the clock, which was enough to complete the comeback.
Amir Coffey led the way for the Clippers with 29 points, five rebounds, two steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Luke Kennard followed up with 25 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Terance Mann and Isaiah Hartenstein added 16 points each. The Clippers shot 41.5 percent from the field, including 38 percent from long range.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Kyle Kuzma followed up with 19 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Daniel Gafford, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell chipped in 12 points each. The Wizards shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-27 from long range.
The Wizards (23-25) will look to bounce back as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Saturday. The Clippers (24-25) take on the Magic in Orlando on Wednesday.
Raptors Defeat Hornets, 125-113
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 125-113, at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday.
There was only one lead change in this game, with Toronto riding a 39-27 first quarter to their victory. In fact, they led by 19 points at the end of the third quarter and got their lead up to 22 points at times. Toronto shot 52 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding the Hornets to 49 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. The Raptors also doubled up the Hornets in fastbreak points, 20-10. They recorded seven blocks to Charlotte's two.
The Hornets (26-22) were led by LaMelo Ball, tallying 25 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Miles Bridges amassed 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Mason Plumlee provided 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Terry Rozier registered 12 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. James Bouknight led the bench with 18 points.
The Raptors (23-22) were led by Gary Trent Jr and his 32 points, two rebounds and two assists. Pascal Siakam collected 24 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists. OG Anunoby had 24 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Chris Boucher totaled 12 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Charlotte staying on the road to face the Indiana Pacers and Toronto traveling to play the Chicago Bulls.
There was only one lead change in this game, with Toronto riding a 39-27 first quarter to their victory. In fact, they led by 19 points at the end of the third quarter and got their lead up to 22 points at times. Toronto shot 52 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding the Hornets to 49 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. The Raptors also doubled up the Hornets in fastbreak points, 20-10. They recorded seven blocks to Charlotte's two.
The Hornets (26-22) were led by LaMelo Ball, tallying 25 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Miles Bridges amassed 22 points, four rebounds and three assists. Mason Plumlee provided 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while Terry Rozier registered 12 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. James Bouknight led the bench with 18 points.
The Raptors (23-22) were led by Gary Trent Jr and his 32 points, two rebounds and two assists. Pascal Siakam collected 24 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists. OG Anunoby had 24 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Chris Boucher totaled 12 points, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Charlotte staying on the road to face the Indiana Pacers and Toronto traveling to play the Chicago Bulls.
Celtics Deliver 53-Point Home Win Over Kings
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 128-75, at TD Garden on Tuesday evening.
The Celtics took control right away with a, 38-13, lead after one quarter, and they outscored the visitors by another eight points in the second, to make it a 33-point game by halftime. The Kings had no answers in the second half, as the Celtics outscored the visitors, 65-45, through the final two quarters. This marks the second straight win for the Celtics, and it marks the fourth straight loss for the Kings.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 36 points, four rebounds, six assists and a block, in 31 minutes. Jaylen Brown followed up with 30 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Robert Williams logged 13 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. The Celtics shot 49.5 percent from the field, including 20-of-45 from deep.
Meanwhile, Buddy Hield was the only player to score in double digits for the Kings, with 11 points, on 4-of-14 shooting, in 24 minutes off the bench. Richaun Holmes tallied nine points and nine rebounds, while Terence Davis and Tyrese Haliburton added seven points each. The Kings shot 30 percent from the field including. 6-of-33 from long range.
The Kings (18-31) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Wednesday. The Celtics (25-24) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Friday.
The Celtics took control right away with a, 38-13, lead after one quarter, and they outscored the visitors by another eight points in the second, to make it a 33-point game by halftime. The Kings had no answers in the second half, as the Celtics outscored the visitors, 65-45, through the final two quarters. This marks the second straight win for the Celtics, and it marks the fourth straight loss for the Kings.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 36 points, four rebounds, six assists and a block, in 31 minutes. Jaylen Brown followed up with 30 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Robert Williams logged 13 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. The Celtics shot 49.5 percent from the field, including 20-of-45 from deep.
Meanwhile, Buddy Hield was the only player to score in double digits for the Kings, with 11 points, on 4-of-14 shooting, in 24 minutes off the bench. Richaun Holmes tallied nine points and nine rebounds, while Terence Davis and Tyrese Haliburton added seven points each. The Kings shot 30 percent from the field including. 6-of-33 from long range.
The Kings (18-31) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Wednesday. The Celtics (25-24) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Friday.
Lakers Defeat Nets, 106-96
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Brooklyn Nets, 106-96, at Barclay's Center on Tuesday.
While there were eight lead changes in the first quarter, Los Angeles outscored Brooklyn 33-25 in that quarter to take control. In fact, they never relinquished the lead after that, getting their lead up to 15 points at times in the second half. Los Angeles shot 47 percent from the field, 32 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line while holding Brooklyn to 42 percent from the field, 26 percent from long range and 68 percent from the charity stripe. The Lakers also recorded 23 assists to eight turnovers while the Nets had 20 assists to 18 turnovers.
The Lakers (23-23) were led by LeBron James, tallying 33 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks on 14-of-21 from the field. Russell Westbrook registered 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. Anthony Davis played 24 minutes in his return and provided eight points, two rebounds, two assists and four blocks. Malik Monk led the bench with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Nets (29-18) were led by James Harden, collecting 33 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. No other player on the roster had more than two assists. Patty Mills totaled 15 points and two assists. De'Andre Bembry accrued 12 points and four rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge led the bench with nine points and six rebounds.
On deck for Brooklyn is a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.
While there were eight lead changes in the first quarter, Los Angeles outscored Brooklyn 33-25 in that quarter to take control. In fact, they never relinquished the lead after that, getting their lead up to 15 points at times in the second half. Los Angeles shot 47 percent from the field, 32 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line while holding Brooklyn to 42 percent from the field, 26 percent from long range and 68 percent from the charity stripe. The Lakers also recorded 23 assists to eight turnovers while the Nets had 20 assists to 18 turnovers.
The Lakers (23-23) were led by LeBron James, tallying 33 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three steals and two blocks on 14-of-21 from the field. Russell Westbrook registered 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. Anthony Davis played 24 minutes in his return and provided eight points, two rebounds, two assists and four blocks. Malik Monk led the bench with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Nets (29-18) were led by James Harden, collecting 33 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. No other player on the roster had more than two assists. Patty Mills totaled 15 points and two assists. De'Andre Bembry accrued 12 points and four rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge led the bench with nine points and six rebounds.
On deck for Brooklyn is a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. As for Los Angeles, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Spurs Defeat Rockets, 134-104
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Houston Rockets, 134-104, at Toyota Center on Tuesday.
While there were six ties and eight lead changes in the first quarter, San Antonio never relinquished the lead after that 34-23 first frame. In fact, they led by 14 points at the half and carried a 30-point lead into the final quarter. They got their lead up to 33 points at times in this blowout. The Spurs shot 57 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range while holding the Rockets to 41 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. They also out-assisted Houston, 38-21.
The Spurs (18-30) were led by Dejounte Murray, tallying 19 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Jakob Poeltl amassed 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Keldon Johnson totaled 16 points, four rebounds and two steals while Doug McDermott had 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tre Jones led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Rockets (14-34) were led by Kevin Porter Jr and his 16 points, five rebounds and nine assists. Christian Wood compiled 15 points and seven rebounds. Jae'Sean Tate totaled 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and four steals, while Alperen Sengun led the bench with 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks.
San Antonio has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, returning home to play the Memphis Grizzlies. As for Houston, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Portland Trail Blazers.
While there were six ties and eight lead changes in the first quarter, San Antonio never relinquished the lead after that 34-23 first frame. In fact, they led by 14 points at the half and carried a 30-point lead into the final quarter. They got their lead up to 33 points at times in this blowout. The Spurs shot 57 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range while holding the Rockets to 41 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range. They also out-assisted Houston, 38-21.
The Spurs (18-30) were led by Dejounte Murray, tallying 19 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. Jakob Poeltl amassed 18 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Keldon Johnson totaled 16 points, four rebounds and two steals while Doug McDermott had 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tre Jones led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds and four assists.
The Rockets (14-34) were led by Kevin Porter Jr and his 16 points, five rebounds and nine assists. Christian Wood compiled 15 points and seven rebounds. Jae'Sean Tate totaled 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and four steals, while Alperen Sengun led the bench with 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks.
San Antonio has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, returning home to play the Memphis Grizzlies. As for Houston, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Warriors Blast Mavericks, 130-92
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 130-92, at Chase Center on Tuesday night.
The Warriors (35-13) came into the contest as solid home favorites thanks to their stellar body of work at Chase Center this season, and they immediately validated their standing by forging a 29-20 lead through one. Their advantage over the Mavericks (27-21) had grown to 19 points by the start of the fourth quarter, and Golden State put a stamp on its victory by outscoring Dallas, 33-14, over the final 12 minutes.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 25 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and three assists. Jalen Brunson followed with 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Tim Hardaway netted 10 points over 10 minutes before suffering a fractured foot. Kristaps Porzingis was limited to nine points, seven rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Jonathan Kuminga paced the Warriors with 22 points, supplementing them with five rebounds. Stephen Curry supplied 18 points, nine boards, seven assists and one steal. Jordan Poole registered 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Klay Thompson fought through knee soreness to post 15 points, six assists and two rebounds. Andrew Wiggins furnished 14 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Otto Porter tallied 12 points, six rebounds and one steal.
The Mavericks remain on the road and face the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night, while the Warriors remain home and host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.
The Warriors (35-13) came into the contest as solid home favorites thanks to their stellar body of work at Chase Center this season, and they immediately validated their standing by forging a 29-20 lead through one. Their advantage over the Mavericks (27-21) had grown to 19 points by the start of the fourth quarter, and Golden State put a stamp on its victory by outscoring Dallas, 33-14, over the final 12 minutes.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 25 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and three assists. Jalen Brunson followed with 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Tim Hardaway netted 10 points over 10 minutes before suffering a fractured foot. Kristaps Porzingis was limited to nine points, seven rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Jonathan Kuminga paced the Warriors with 22 points, supplementing them with five rebounds. Stephen Curry supplied 18 points, nine boards, seven assists and one steal. Jordan Poole registered 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Klay Thompson fought through knee soreness to post 15 points, six assists and two rebounds. Andrew Wiggins furnished 14 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Otto Porter tallied 12 points, six rebounds and one steal.
The Mavericks remain on the road and face the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night, while the Warriors remain home and host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night.
Timberwolves Edge Trail Blazers, 109-107
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 109-107, at Moda Center on Tuesday night.
The Timberwolves (24-23) came into the contest with a multi-game advantage in the standings over the Trail Blazers (20-27), but it was Portland that looked much more in sync during an impressive first half they emerged from with a 63-55 lead. However, Minnesota helped to change the dynamic of the contest with a dominant third quarter they enjoyed a 29-19 advantage in, and they ultimately hung on by a thread thanks to a D'Angelo Russell bucket with 2.9 seconds remaining and a missed would-be game-winning three-point attempt by Anfernee Simons with under a second left.
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 40 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Russell supplied 22 points, four assists and two rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns generated a 17-point, 17-rebound double-double that included two assists and four blocks. Jarred Vanderbilt posted 13 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block.
Jusuf Nurkic and Nassir Little co-led the Trail Blazers with 20 points apiece while pulling down 14 and eight rebounds, respectively. Simons totaled 17 points, seven assists and four rebounds. CJ McCollum compiled 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block.
The Timberwolves remain on the West Coast and face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, while the Trail Blazers remain home and host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves (24-23) came into the contest with a multi-game advantage in the standings over the Trail Blazers (20-27), but it was Portland that looked much more in sync during an impressive first half they emerged from with a 63-55 lead. However, Minnesota helped to change the dynamic of the contest with a dominant third quarter they enjoyed a 29-19 advantage in, and they ultimately hung on by a thread thanks to a D'Angelo Russell bucket with 2.9 seconds remaining and a missed would-be game-winning three-point attempt by Anfernee Simons with under a second left.
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 40 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, three steals and three blocks. Russell supplied 22 points, four assists and two rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns generated a 17-point, 17-rebound double-double that included two assists and four blocks. Jarred Vanderbilt posted 13 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block.
Jusuf Nurkic and Nassir Little co-led the Trail Blazers with 20 points apiece while pulling down 14 and eight rebounds, respectively. Simons totaled 17 points, seven assists and four rebounds. CJ McCollum compiled 15 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block.
The Timberwolves remain on the West Coast and face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, while the Trail Blazers remain home and host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.