Cavaliers Top Bucks, 115-99
The Cleveland Cavaliers topped the Milwaukee Bucks, 115-99, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (30-19) came into the contest riding a hot streak that had seen them win eight of their previous nine games, but they didn't exactly start off on the right foot. The Bucks (30-20) owned a 35-26 lead after one, but Cleveland sprung to life at that point, outscoring Milwaukee by a 69-42 margin over the middle quarters to take an 18-point lead into the final period on the way to a comfortable win. The hosts were especially impressive from long distance, draining a total of 19 three-pointers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 26 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Bobby Portis supplied 22 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block. Khris Middleton furnished 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Patrick Connaughton totaled 11 points, five boards and one assist.
Kevin Love paced the Cavaliers with 25 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Cedi Osman registered 23 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Darius Garland managed 19 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one steal. Evan Mobley delivered 16 points, seven boards, one assist and two blocks. Jarrett Allen generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal.
The Bucks return home to host the New York Knicks on Friday night, while the Cavaliers hit the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Sunday evening.
The Cavaliers (30-19) came into the contest riding a hot streak that had seen them win eight of their previous nine games, but they didn't exactly start off on the right foot. The Bucks (30-20) owned a 35-26 lead after one, but Cleveland sprung to life at that point, outscoring Milwaukee by a 69-42 margin over the middle quarters to take an 18-point lead into the final period on the way to a comfortable win. The hosts were especially impressive from long distance, draining a total of 19 three-pointers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 26 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Bobby Portis supplied 22 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one block. Khris Middleton furnished 21 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Patrick Connaughton totaled 11 points, five boards and one assist.
Kevin Love paced the Cavaliers with 25 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Cedi Osman registered 23 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Darius Garland managed 19 points, eight assists, two rebounds and one steal. Evan Mobley delivered 16 points, seven boards, one assist and two blocks. Jarrett Allen generated a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included one assist and one steal.
The Bucks return home to host the New York Knicks on Friday night, while the Cavaliers hit the road and visit the Detroit Pistons on Sunday evening.
Hornets Throttle Pacers, 158-126
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Indiana Pacers, 158-126, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The two defensively challenged squads were likely to facilitate an elevated scoring total, but the contest ended up exceeding expectations on that front. That was essentially foreshadowed from the opening tip, and the Hornets (27-22) emerged from the first half with a slim 71-70 lead over the Pacers (17-32). However, Charlotte changed the dynamic of the game for good in the third quarter when they extended their advantage to 19 points, and they would add another 13 during a final period in which they racked up 45 points.
Kelly Oubre paced the Hornets with 39 points, complementing them with five rebounds, three assists and two steals. LaMelo Ball generated a 29-point, 13 assist, 10 rebound triple-double that included one steal and one block. Miles Bridges furnished 22 points, four rebounds and one assist. Terry Rozier supplied 20 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. James Bouknight and Cody Martin posted 13 and 11 points, respectively, while pulling down three rebounds each.
Goga Bitadze and Isaiah Jackson co-led the Pacers with 17 points apiece while recording six and four rebounds, respectively. Lance Stephenson furnished 14 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Torrey Craig matched Stephenson's scoring total and added three rebounds and two assists. Duane Washington provided 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Chris Duarte netted 11 points, four rebounds and one steal. Caris LeVert and Justin Holiday generated matching 10-point tallies, with LeVert complementing his scoring with five assists and four boards.
The Hornets return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, while the Pacers hit the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night as well.
The two defensively challenged squads were likely to facilitate an elevated scoring total, but the contest ended up exceeding expectations on that front. That was essentially foreshadowed from the opening tip, and the Hornets (27-22) emerged from the first half with a slim 71-70 lead over the Pacers (17-32). However, Charlotte changed the dynamic of the game for good in the third quarter when they extended their advantage to 19 points, and they would add another 13 during a final period in which they racked up 45 points.
Kelly Oubre paced the Hornets with 39 points, complementing them with five rebounds, three assists and two steals. LaMelo Ball generated a 29-point, 13 assist, 10 rebound triple-double that included one steal and one block. Miles Bridges furnished 22 points, four rebounds and one assist. Terry Rozier supplied 20 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. James Bouknight and Cody Martin posted 13 and 11 points, respectively, while pulling down three rebounds each.
Goga Bitadze and Isaiah Jackson co-led the Pacers with 17 points apiece while recording six and four rebounds, respectively. Lance Stephenson furnished 14 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Torrey Craig matched Stephenson's scoring total and added three rebounds and two assists. Duane Washington provided 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Chris Duarte netted 11 points, four rebounds and one steal. Caris LeVert and Justin Holiday generated matching 10-point tallies, with LeVert complementing his scoring with five assists and four boards.
The Hornets return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, while the Pacers hit the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night as well.
Clippers Top Magic, 111-102
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Orlando Magic, 111-102, at Amway Center on Wednesday night.
The Clippers (25-25) hoped to carry over the massive momentum they'd built up during a memorable second-half comeback from a 35-point deficit against the Wizards on Tuesday, and they did indeed manage to forge a 49-48 lead going into intermission. However, the Magic (9-40) came out of halftime the hotter team, eliminating their slim deficit and taking a two-point edge into the final period. Nevertheless, Los Angeles would once again muster some late-game magic, outscoring their hosts by a 35-25 margin to notch another comeback victory.
Amir Coffey paced the Clippers with 19 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Luke Kennard totaled 17 points, five rebounds and one assist. Terance Mann recorded 14 points, two assists and one steal. Eric Bledsoe finished with 13 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Nicolas Batum posted 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 21 points, complementing them with nine assists, three rebounds and two steals. Cole Anthony generated a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that included six rebounds, two steals and one block. Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris poured in 14 points apiece, with Suggs adding four rebounds and three assists. Wendell Carter delivered 11 points, nine boards and two assists. Mo Bamba collected 10 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Magic remains home and hosts the Detroit Pistons on Friday night as well.
The Clippers (25-25) hoped to carry over the massive momentum they'd built up during a memorable second-half comeback from a 35-point deficit against the Wizards on Tuesday, and they did indeed manage to forge a 49-48 lead going into intermission. However, the Magic (9-40) came out of halftime the hotter team, eliminating their slim deficit and taking a two-point edge into the final period. Nevertheless, Los Angeles would once again muster some late-game magic, outscoring their hosts by a 35-25 margin to notch another comeback victory.
Amir Coffey paced the Clippers with 19 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Luke Kennard totaled 17 points, five rebounds and one assist. Terance Mann recorded 14 points, two assists and one steal. Eric Bledsoe finished with 13 points, four boards, three assists and one steal. Nicolas Batum posted 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 21 points, complementing them with nine assists, three rebounds and two steals. Cole Anthony generated a 19-point, 11-assist double-double that included six rebounds, two steals and one block. Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris poured in 14 points apiece, with Suggs adding four rebounds and three assists. Wendell Carter delivered 11 points, nine boards and two assists. Mo Bamba collected 10 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Magic remains home and hosts the Detroit Pistons on Friday night as well.
Hawks Defeat Kings, 121-104
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 121-104, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
This final scoreline makes this game look closer than it actually was, with Atlanta leading by 30 points midway through the third quarter. That can be attributed to a 46-17 second quarter, with the Hawks starters never stepping on the floor in the fourth quarter. Atlanta shot 53 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding Sacramento to 42 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. In addition, the Hawks outscored the Kings in fastbreak points, 20-4, and in the paint, 64-46. Their bench also outscored the Kings bench, 70-24.
The Kings (18-32) were led by Harrison Barnes, tallying 28 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Davion Mitchell started and totaled 20 points, two rebounds and six assists. Richaun Holmes registered 12 points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Tyrese Haliburton had 11 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
The Hawks (22-25) were led by Trae Young, collecting 17 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and four steals, despite sitting the final 16 minutes. John Collins compiled nine points, six rebounds and two steals. Clint Capela amassed eight points and eight rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
On deck for Atlanta is a home matchup with the Boston Celtics on Friday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.
This final scoreline makes this game look closer than it actually was, with Atlanta leading by 30 points midway through the third quarter. That can be attributed to a 46-17 second quarter, with the Hawks starters never stepping on the floor in the fourth quarter. Atlanta shot 53 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding Sacramento to 42 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. In addition, the Hawks outscored the Kings in fastbreak points, 20-4, and in the paint, 64-46. Their bench also outscored the Kings bench, 70-24.
The Kings (18-32) were led by Harrison Barnes, tallying 28 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Davion Mitchell started and totaled 20 points, two rebounds and six assists. Richaun Holmes registered 12 points, five rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Tyrese Haliburton had 11 points, three rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
The Hawks (22-25) were led by Trae Young, collecting 17 points, three rebounds, 10 assists and four steals, despite sitting the final 16 minutes. John Collins compiled nine points, six rebounds and two steals. Clint Capela amassed eight points and eight rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
On deck for Atlanta is a home matchup with the Boston Celtics on Friday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Heat Dominates Knicks, 110-96
The Miami Heat defeated the New York Knicks, 110-96, at FTX Arena on Wednesday night.
The Heat (31-17) came into the contest as comfortable home favorites and proceeded to demonstrate why during a first quarter in which they built a 30-16 lead over the Knicks (23-26). Miami still owned a 13-point edge going into halftime, and they put the game away by outscoring New York, 33-21, during the third quarter. The hosts shot 50.0 percent, including 43.2 percent from three-point range.
Obi Toppin led the Knicks with 18 points, adding five rebounds, one assist and one block. RJ Barrett contributed 17 points, three boards, two assists and one steal. Immanuel Quickley finished with 12 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Julius Randle registered 11 points, six rebounds and four assists. The starting backcourt of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier combined for just 14 points on 4-for-15 shooting.
Duncan Robinson paced the Heat with 25 points, supplementing them with two rebounds, one assist and one block. Jimmy Butler managed 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Tyler Herro furnished 21 points, six rebounds and four assists. P.J. Tucker poured in 20 points.
The Knicks remain on the road and visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.
The Heat (31-17) came into the contest as comfortable home favorites and proceeded to demonstrate why during a first quarter in which they built a 30-16 lead over the Knicks (23-26). Miami still owned a 13-point edge going into halftime, and they put the game away by outscoring New York, 33-21, during the third quarter. The hosts shot 50.0 percent, including 43.2 percent from three-point range.
Obi Toppin led the Knicks with 18 points, adding five rebounds, one assist and one block. RJ Barrett contributed 17 points, three boards, two assists and one steal. Immanuel Quickley finished with 12 points, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Julius Randle registered 11 points, six rebounds and four assists. The starting backcourt of Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier combined for just 14 points on 4-for-15 shooting.
Duncan Robinson paced the Heat with 25 points, supplementing them with two rebounds, one assist and one block. Jimmy Butler managed 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Tyler Herro furnished 21 points, six rebounds and four assists. P.J. Tucker poured in 20 points.
The Knicks remain on the road and visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.
Bulls Use Strong Finish To Hold Off Raptors
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 111-105, at United Center on Wednesday evening.
The Bulls got out to a good start with an early 14-point lead, but the Raptors rallied back to make it a four-point game by the end of the first quarter. The Bulls pulled ahead again in the second, where they outscored the visitors, 36-23, to take a 17-point lead into the break. The Raptors responded in the third and chipped away to make it nine-point game, heading into the final frame. They kept the pressure on and rallied to take a one-point lead with three minutes left on the clock. However, the Bulls outscored the visitors, 9-2, the rest of the way to close out their second straight win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, in 37 minutes. Zach LaVine followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 17 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. The Bulls shot 55 percent from the field, including 7-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Gary Trent led the Raptors with 32 points on 11-of-22 shooting, in 37 minutes. OG Anunoby followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal, while Scottie Barnes logged 16 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a block. The Raptors shot 48 percent from the field, including 39 percent from deep.
The Raptors (23-23) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Saturday. The Bulls (30-17) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday.
The Bulls got out to a good start with an early 14-point lead, but the Raptors rallied back to make it a four-point game by the end of the first quarter. The Bulls pulled ahead again in the second, where they outscored the visitors, 36-23, to take a 17-point lead into the break. The Raptors responded in the third and chipped away to make it nine-point game, heading into the final frame. They kept the pressure on and rallied to take a one-point lead with three minutes left on the clock. However, the Bulls outscored the visitors, 9-2, the rest of the way to close out their second straight win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, in 37 minutes. Zach LaVine followed up with 23 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and a steal, while Nikola Vucevic totaled 17 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. The Bulls shot 55 percent from the field, including 7-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Gary Trent led the Raptors with 32 points on 11-of-22 shooting, in 37 minutes. OG Anunoby followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal, while Scottie Barnes logged 16 points, five rebounds, seven assists and a block. The Raptors shot 48 percent from the field, including 39 percent from deep.
The Raptors (23-23) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Saturday. The Bulls (30-17) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday.
Nuggets Notch Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Brooklyn Nets, 124-118, at Barclays Center on Wednesday evening.
Despite missing Kevin Durant (knee), James Harden (hamstring) and Kyrie Irving (not injury related), the Nets put up a good fight at home. The contest got out to a tight start, as the Nuggets led, 29-28, after one quarter. The Nets caught fire in the second and outscored the visitors, 37-25, to take an 11-point lead into halftime. The Nuggets returned the favor in the third, where they outscored the hosts, 42-26, to grab a five-point lead heading into the final frame. The score stayed tight to start the fourth, but the Nuggets pulled away mid way through the quarter and closed out their third straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 26 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Austin Rivers followed up with 25 points on 8-of-11 shooting, in 26 minutes off the bench, while Will Barton totaled 21 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. The Nuggets shot 47 percent from the field, including 15-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Cam Thomas led the Nets with 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting, in 26 minutes off the bench. Patty Mills followed up with 21 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, while LaMarcus Aldridge totaled 18 points, eight rebounds and a block. The Nets shot 49 percent from the field, including 12-of-29 from deep.
The Nets (29-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Saturday. The Nuggets (26-21) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday.
Despite missing Kevin Durant (knee), James Harden (hamstring) and Kyrie Irving (not injury related), the Nets put up a good fight at home. The contest got out to a tight start, as the Nuggets led, 29-28, after one quarter. The Nets caught fire in the second and outscored the visitors, 37-25, to take an 11-point lead into halftime. The Nuggets returned the favor in the third, where they outscored the hosts, 42-26, to grab a five-point lead heading into the final frame. The score stayed tight to start the fourth, but the Nuggets pulled away mid way through the quarter and closed out their third straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 26 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Austin Rivers followed up with 25 points on 8-of-11 shooting, in 26 minutes off the bench, while Will Barton totaled 21 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. The Nuggets shot 47 percent from the field, including 15-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Cam Thomas led the Nets with 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting, in 26 minutes off the bench. Patty Mills followed up with 21 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, while LaMarcus Aldridge totaled 18 points, eight rebounds and a block. The Nets shot 49 percent from the field, including 12-of-29 from deep.
The Nets (29-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Saturday. The Nuggets (26-21) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Friday.
Morant Pours In 41 Points To Lead Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 118-110, at AT&T Center on Wednesday evening.
Ja Morant came up huge with 41 points on 15-of-28 shooting, to lead the Grizzlies to the road win. The Grizzlies got out to a good start with a, 34-25, lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead to double digits in the second, but the hosts rallied back to cut it to a three-point game by halftime. The Grizzlies kept the upper hand through the third quarter and managed to add another five points to their advantage to take an eight-point edge into the final frame. The Spurs kept up the fight in the fourth, but they could not make any progress, as the visitors held strong to close it out.
Jaren Jackson also had a big night for the Grizzlies, as he logged 22 points, nine rebounds and six blocks, while Desmond Bane totaled 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting. The Grizzlies shot 51 percent from the field, including 7-of-23 from deep.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting, in 30 minutes off the bench. Keldon Johnson and Jakob Poeltl added 18 points each, while Dejounte Murray tallied 16 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. The Spurs shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-37 from long range.
The Spurs (18-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bulls on Friday. The Grizzlies (33-17) play host to the Jazz on Friday.
Ja Morant came up huge with 41 points on 15-of-28 shooting, to lead the Grizzlies to the road win. The Grizzlies got out to a good start with a, 34-25, lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead to double digits in the second, but the hosts rallied back to cut it to a three-point game by halftime. The Grizzlies kept the upper hand through the third quarter and managed to add another five points to their advantage to take an eight-point edge into the final frame. The Spurs kept up the fight in the fourth, but they could not make any progress, as the visitors held strong to close it out.
Jaren Jackson also had a big night for the Grizzlies, as he logged 22 points, nine rebounds and six blocks, while Desmond Bane totaled 20 points on 7-of-16 shooting. The Grizzlies shot 51 percent from the field, including 7-of-23 from deep.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 20 points on 8-of-16 shooting, in 30 minutes off the bench. Keldon Johnson and Jakob Poeltl added 18 points each, while Dejounte Murray tallied 16 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. The Spurs shot 46 percent from the field, including 9-of-37 from long range.
The Spurs (18-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bulls on Friday. The Grizzlies (33-17) play host to the Jazz on Friday.
Mavericks Defeat Trail Blazers, 132-112
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 132-112, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
A 40-25 first quarter in favor of Dallas carried them in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they got their lead up to 23 points at times and held a double-digit lead for over half the game. The Mavericks shot 55 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while the Trail Blazers shot 51 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. In addition, Dallas out-rebounded Portland, 51-44, while out-assisting them, 34-27. Their bench also outscored Portland's bench, 54-30.
The Trail Blazers (20-28) were led by Anfernee Simons, amassing 23 points, two rebounds and six assists. C.J. McCollum compiled 20 points, four rebounds and six assists. Norman Powell totaled 19 points and nine rebounds, while Jusuf Nurkic finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists. C.J. Elleby led the bench with seven points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Mavericks (28-20) were led by Kristaps Porzingis and his 22 points and five rebounds. Luke Doncic collected 15 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists. Jalen Brunson accrued 20 points, six rebounds and 11 assists, while Maxi Kleber had 12 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Reggie Bullock and Dwight Powell led the bench with 15 points apiece.
On deck for Portland is a road matchup with the Houston Rockets on Friday. As for Dallas, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the Indiana Pacers.
A 40-25 first quarter in favor of Dallas carried them in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they got their lead up to 23 points at times and held a double-digit lead for over half the game. The Mavericks shot 55 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while the Trail Blazers shot 51 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. In addition, Dallas out-rebounded Portland, 51-44, while out-assisting them, 34-27. Their bench also outscored Portland's bench, 54-30.
The Trail Blazers (20-28) were led by Anfernee Simons, amassing 23 points, two rebounds and six assists. C.J. McCollum compiled 20 points, four rebounds and six assists. Norman Powell totaled 19 points and nine rebounds, while Jusuf Nurkic finished with 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists. C.J. Elleby led the bench with seven points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Mavericks (28-20) were led by Kristaps Porzingis and his 22 points and five rebounds. Luke Doncic collected 15 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists. Jalen Brunson accrued 20 points, six rebounds and 11 assists, while Maxi Kleber had 12 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Reggie Bullock and Dwight Powell led the bench with 15 points apiece.
On deck for Portland is a road matchup with the Houston Rockets on Friday. As for Dallas, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the Indiana Pacers.
Suns Defeat Jazz, 105-97
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Utah Jazz, 105-97, at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
While Utah grabbed the first lead in this game, Phoenix rode a 39-18 first quartet to their victory. That allowed them to hold the lead for the final 45 minutes, getting their lead up to 21 points at times. The Suns shot 49 percent from the field while holding the Jazz to 43 percent shooting. In addition, Phoenix doubled up Utah in blocks, 8-4, while winning the turnover battle, 14-7. In addition, Phoenix outscored Utah in the paint, 50-38, and in fastbreak points, 22-3.
The Suns (38-9) were led by Devin Booker and his 43 points, 12 rebounds and four assists on 16-of-28 shooting. Chris Paul collected 21 points, four rebounds and five assists. Bismack Biyombo amassed 11 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Jalen Smith and Cameron Johnson both finished with eight points and six rebounds.
The Jazz (30-19) were led by Mike Conley, compiling 16 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Hassan Whiteside had 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Royce O'Neale generated eight points, five rebounds and four assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 23 points, five rebounds and two assists. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert were both out.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix returning home to play the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah traveling to face the surging Memphis Grizzlies.
While Utah grabbed the first lead in this game, Phoenix rode a 39-18 first quartet to their victory. That allowed them to hold the lead for the final 45 minutes, getting their lead up to 21 points at times. The Suns shot 49 percent from the field while holding the Jazz to 43 percent shooting. In addition, Phoenix doubled up Utah in blocks, 8-4, while winning the turnover battle, 14-7. In addition, Phoenix outscored Utah in the paint, 50-38, and in fastbreak points, 22-3.
The Suns (38-9) were led by Devin Booker and his 43 points, 12 rebounds and four assists on 16-of-28 shooting. Chris Paul collected 21 points, four rebounds and five assists. Bismack Biyombo amassed 11 points, six rebounds and three blocks. Jalen Smith and Cameron Johnson both finished with eight points and six rebounds.
The Jazz (30-19) were led by Mike Conley, compiling 16 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Hassan Whiteside had 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Royce O'Neale generated eight points, five rebounds and four assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 23 points, five rebounds and two assists. Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert were both out.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix returning home to play the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah traveling to face the surging Memphis Grizzlies.