White's near triple-double propels Boston over Detroit, 129-102
The Boston Celtics started their six-game road trip with a 129-102 win over the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night.
Both teams entered Friday’s contest short-handed. The Celtics (56-14) were down All-Star forward Jayson Tatum (ankle), Jrue Holiday (shoulder) and Al Horford (toe), while the Pistons (12-58) were without Quentin Grimes (knee), Jalen Duren (back), Simone Fontecchio (toe) and four others.
It was a competitive contest off the tip, with the teams exchanging 15 lead changes up to the midway point of the second quarter. The Celtics took over the game with a 24-7 run over the last eight minutes of the frame to take a 16-point lead into halftime. Boston stretched that lead up to 27 points, and both teams played their deep benches in the final minutes of regulation. The Celtics improved to 24-11 on the road, shooting 52.8 percent from the field while going 16-for-45 from three. The Pistons dropped to 7-30 at home and were done in by their 19 turnovers, which Boston converted into 27 points.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 33 points on 13-for-19 shooting, four rebounds and a game-high four steals. Payton Pritchard tallied 20 points, two rebounds and nine assists, while Kristaps Porzingis supplied 19 points, four rebounds, two blocks and three steals. Derrick White registered his fifth double-double of the season with 19 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. Sam Hauser led the bench with 14 points and four rebounds.
James Wiseman shot 11-for-13 from the field to lead the Pistons with 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Jaden Ivey added 16 points and four rebounds, while Cade Cunningham contributed 15 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Tosan Evbuomwam had 14 points and eight rebounds, while Jared Rhoden chipped in nine points and five rebounds.
Friday's contest was the final game between the Celtics and Pistons in 2023-24, with Boston clinching the 3-0 season sweep.
Up next, the Celtics head to Chicago to take on the Bulls on Sunday, while the Pistons welcome in the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.
Both teams entered Friday’s contest short-handed. The Celtics (56-14) were down All-Star forward Jayson Tatum (ankle), Jrue Holiday (shoulder) and Al Horford (toe), while the Pistons (12-58) were without Quentin Grimes (knee), Jalen Duren (back), Simone Fontecchio (toe) and four others.
It was a competitive contest off the tip, with the teams exchanging 15 lead changes up to the midway point of the second quarter. The Celtics took over the game with a 24-7 run over the last eight minutes of the frame to take a 16-point lead into halftime. Boston stretched that lead up to 27 points, and both teams played their deep benches in the final minutes of regulation. The Celtics improved to 24-11 on the road, shooting 52.8 percent from the field while going 16-for-45 from three. The Pistons dropped to 7-30 at home and were done in by their 19 turnovers, which Boston converted into 27 points.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 33 points on 13-for-19 shooting, four rebounds and a game-high four steals. Payton Pritchard tallied 20 points, two rebounds and nine assists, while Kristaps Porzingis supplied 19 points, four rebounds, two blocks and three steals. Derrick White registered his fifth double-double of the season with 19 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists. Sam Hauser led the bench with 14 points and four rebounds.
James Wiseman shot 11-for-13 from the field to lead the Pistons with 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Jaden Ivey added 16 points and four rebounds, while Cade Cunningham contributed 15 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Tosan Evbuomwam had 14 points and eight rebounds, while Jared Rhoden chipped in nine points and five rebounds.
Friday's contest was the final game between the Celtics and Pistons in 2023-24, with Boston clinching the 3-0 season sweep.
Up next, the Celtics head to Chicago to take on the Bulls on Sunday, while the Pistons welcome in the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday.
Thunder Overcome Slow Start To Top Raptors
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Toronto Raptors, 123-103, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday.
The Thunder (49-20) didn’t have problems getting past the Raptors (23-47) despite playing on the road. However, it wasn’t easy, as Toronto grabbed the lead early on, and Oklahoma City had to mount a comeback to turn things around. The Raptors grabbed a 35-28 score in the first quarter, but the Thunder responded with a 35-21 score in the second quarter to build a seven-point lead at the break. The Thunder wouldn’t let the lead slip away, and they didn’t have problems closing things out in the second half after winning the third and fourth quarters, 26-22 and 34-25, respectively. With the win, the Thunder moved to 49-20 and 21-13 on the road. Meanwhile, the Raptors fell to 23-47 and 13-22 at home.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 23 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and three steals. Jalen Williams had 20 points, three rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Chet Holmgren posted 18 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Luguentz Dort and Josh Giddey each had 10 points. Kenrich Williams and Cason Wallace each had 12 points coming off the bench. The Thunder shot 50.5 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range.
Gradey Dick led the Raptors with 21 points while shooting 4-for-7 from three-point range. Ochai Agbaji posted 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals. Kelly Olynyk had 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Javon Freeman-Liberty and Bruce Brown each posted 10 points in a starting role. Jordan Nwora chipped in with 12 points coming off the bench. Toronto shot 52.6 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from deep.
The Thunder (49-20) didn’t have problems getting past the Raptors (23-47) despite playing on the road. However, it wasn’t easy, as Toronto grabbed the lead early on, and Oklahoma City had to mount a comeback to turn things around. The Raptors grabbed a 35-28 score in the first quarter, but the Thunder responded with a 35-21 score in the second quarter to build a seven-point lead at the break. The Thunder wouldn’t let the lead slip away, and they didn’t have problems closing things out in the second half after winning the third and fourth quarters, 26-22 and 34-25, respectively. With the win, the Thunder moved to 49-20 and 21-13 on the road. Meanwhile, the Raptors fell to 23-47 and 13-22 at home.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 23 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and three steals. Jalen Williams had 20 points, three rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Chet Holmgren posted 18 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. Luguentz Dort and Josh Giddey each had 10 points. Kenrich Williams and Cason Wallace each had 12 points coming off the bench. The Thunder shot 50.5 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range.
Gradey Dick led the Raptors with 21 points while shooting 4-for-7 from three-point range. Ochai Agbaji posted 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals. Kelly Olynyk had 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Javon Freeman-Liberty and Bruce Brown each posted 10 points in a starting role. Jordan Nwora chipped in with 12 points coming off the bench. Toronto shot 52.6 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from deep.
Pelicans Cruise To Win Over Heat
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Miami Heat, 111-88, at Kaseya Center on Friday.
The Pelicans (43-27) endured a slow start against the Heat (38-32), but they eventually pulled away to secure a comfortable victory. With the win, New Orleans moved to 23-14 away from home, while the Heat moved to 17-16 at home. New Orleans jumped to a 21-20 lead in the first quarter, and they made it a four-point game by the time halftime arrived following a 25-22 score in the second quarter. However, the Pelicans would end up pulling away for good in the second half. A 30-24 score in the third quarter made it a double-digit game, and the Pels closed things out with a 35-22 score in the final 12 minutes.
CJ McCollum led the way for the Pelicans with 30 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Zion Williamson had a subpar effort after ending with four points (2-7 FG), five rebounds and four assists across 25 minutes. Trey Murphy III notched 14 points and eight rebounds. Jose Alvarado added 17 points, six assists and seven rebounds off the bench. The Pelicans shot 51.2 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range.
Jimmy Butler had 17 points, five assists and four rebounds for the Heat. Bam Adebayo recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds. Terry Rozier had 13 points and four boards, while Nikola Jovic notched 10 points. Cole Swider added 14 points coming off the bench. The Heat shot a meager 36 percent from the field and 27.7 percent from deep.
The Pelicans (43-27) endured a slow start against the Heat (38-32), but they eventually pulled away to secure a comfortable victory. With the win, New Orleans moved to 23-14 away from home, while the Heat moved to 17-16 at home. New Orleans jumped to a 21-20 lead in the first quarter, and they made it a four-point game by the time halftime arrived following a 25-22 score in the second quarter. However, the Pelicans would end up pulling away for good in the second half. A 30-24 score in the third quarter made it a double-digit game, and the Pels closed things out with a 35-22 score in the final 12 minutes.
CJ McCollum led the way for the Pelicans with 30 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Zion Williamson had a subpar effort after ending with four points (2-7 FG), five rebounds and four assists across 25 minutes. Trey Murphy III notched 14 points and eight rebounds. Jose Alvarado added 17 points, six assists and seven rebounds off the bench. The Pelicans shot 51.2 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range.
Jimmy Butler had 17 points, five assists and four rebounds for the Heat. Bam Adebayo recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds. Terry Rozier had 13 points and four boards, while Nikola Jovic notched 10 points. Cole Swider added 14 points coming off the bench. The Heat shot a meager 36 percent from the field and 27.7 percent from deep.
Timberwolves Top Cavaliers, 104-91
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 104-91, at Target Center on Friday night.
The Timberwolves (48-22) opened what was expected to be a tightly contested affair by taking a 25-20 lead through one, but the Cavaliers (43-27) came back on the second quarter to erase their deficit altogether and forge a three-point lead heading into intermission. The dynamic of the contest would change for good in the third quarter, however, as Minnesota held Cleveland to only 17 points in the third quarter to take a six-point edge into the final period, and the hosts would ultimately add another seven points to their lead by game's end.
Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 19 points, adding four assists and two rebounds. Caris LeVert turned in 16 points, six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists and one block. Marcus Morris Sr. furnished 11 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Georges Niang and Sam Merrill produced matching 10-point, three-rebound efforts, with Niang adding two steals and one block.
Mike Conley paced the Timberwolves with 21 points, supplementing them with six assists, two rebounds and one block. Naz Reid supplied 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Anthony Edwards contributed a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists. Jaden McDaniels posted 15 points, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Jordan McLaughlin delivered 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kyle Anderson recorded 10 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Cavaliers remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Sunday evening, while the Timberwolves host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.
The Timberwolves (48-22) opened what was expected to be a tightly contested affair by taking a 25-20 lead through one, but the Cavaliers (43-27) came back on the second quarter to erase their deficit altogether and forge a three-point lead heading into intermission. The dynamic of the contest would change for good in the third quarter, however, as Minnesota held Cleveland to only 17 points in the third quarter to take a six-point edge into the final period, and the hosts would ultimately add another seven points to their lead by game's end.
Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 19 points, adding four assists and two rebounds. Caris LeVert turned in 16 points, six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Jarrett Allen generated a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists and one block. Marcus Morris Sr. furnished 11 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Georges Niang and Sam Merrill produced matching 10-point, three-rebound efforts, with Niang adding two steals and one block.
Mike Conley paced the Timberwolves with 21 points, supplementing them with six assists, two rebounds and one block. Naz Reid supplied 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Anthony Edwards contributed a 16-point, 13-rebound double-double that included five assists. Jaden McDaniels posted 15 points, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Jordan McLaughlin delivered 12 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal. Kyle Anderson recorded 10 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Cavaliers remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Sunday evening, while the Timberwolves host the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.
Grizzlies Edge Spurs, 99-97
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 99-97, at Frost Bank Center on Friday night.
The Spurs (15-55) ambushed the Grizzlies (24-47) out of the gate, jumping out to a 30-18 lead through one. However, Memphis came back with equal ferocity in the second, eliminating all but one point from its deficit before halftime. The visitors then added another four points to their advantage in the third, but San Antonio clawed all the way back to knot the game at 97-97 with 18.1 seconds remaining. However, Jaren Jackson ultimately gave the Grizzlies back the lead with one second remaining on a seven-foot pullup jumper, and Victor Wembanyama's missed 29-footer at the buzzer sealed the hard-fought victory for Memphis.
Jackson led the Grizzlies with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Scottie Pippen Jr. totaled 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and four steals. Santi Aldama generated a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Jake LaRavia matched Aldama's scoring and also recorded five rebounds, one assist and one steal. GG Jackson finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Wembanyama paced the Spurs with a 31-point, 16-rebound double-double that included five assists, three blocks and two steals. Devin Vassell delivered 27 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Tre Jones supplied 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Grizzlies remain on the road and visit the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, and the Spurs remain home to host the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night.
The Spurs (15-55) ambushed the Grizzlies (24-47) out of the gate, jumping out to a 30-18 lead through one. However, Memphis came back with equal ferocity in the second, eliminating all but one point from its deficit before halftime. The visitors then added another four points to their advantage in the third, but San Antonio clawed all the way back to knot the game at 97-97 with 18.1 seconds remaining. However, Jaren Jackson ultimately gave the Grizzlies back the lead with one second remaining on a seven-foot pullup jumper, and Victor Wembanyama's missed 29-footer at the buzzer sealed the hard-fought victory for Memphis.
Jackson led the Grizzlies with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Scottie Pippen Jr. totaled 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and four steals. Santi Aldama generated a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double that included three assists and one block. Jake LaRavia matched Aldama's scoring and also recorded five rebounds, one assist and one steal. GG Jackson finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Wembanyama paced the Spurs with a 31-point, 16-rebound double-double that included five assists, three blocks and two steals. Devin Vassell delivered 27 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Tre Jones supplied 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Grizzlies remain on the road and visit the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, and the Spurs remain home to host the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night.
Pacers Rally To Stun Warriors
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 123-111, at Chase Center on Friday evening.
The game got out to a high-scoring start and was tied at 38, after one quarter. The Warriors picked up momentum and rallied to a double-digit lead in the second, but the Pacers battled back to cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The visitors turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Warriors, 36-21, to claim a 14-point lead entering the final frame. The hosts had no answers down the stretch as the Pacers confidently closed out their second straight win. This also marks the second loss in three-games for the Warriors.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 26 points, two rebounds, 11 assists, four steals and three blocks, in 38 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 25 points, 16 rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Andrew Nembhard totaled 17 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 25 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, in 35 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Brandin Podziemski totaled 13 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Warriors (36-33) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Sunday. The Pacers (40-31) clash with the Lakers in L.A. on Sunday.
The game got out to a high-scoring start and was tied at 38, after one quarter. The Warriors picked up momentum and rallied to a double-digit lead in the second, but the Pacers battled back to cut it to a one-point game by halftime. The visitors turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Warriors, 36-21, to claim a 14-point lead entering the final frame. The hosts had no answers down the stretch as the Pacers confidently closed out their second straight win. This also marks the second loss in three-games for the Warriors.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 26 points, two rebounds, 11 assists, four steals and three blocks, in 38 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 25 points, 16 rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Andrew Nembhard totaled 17 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 25 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, in 35 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Brandin Podziemski totaled 13 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Warriors (36-33) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Sunday. The Pacers (40-31) clash with the Lakers in L.A. on Sunday.
Clippers Defeat Blazers, 125-117
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 125-117, at Moda Center on Friday.
A 42-27 first quarter set the tone for Los Angeles in this dominating victory, never relinquishing the lead after the opening five minutes. The final margin was actually the closest the game got after the opening quarter, with the Clippers getting their lead up to 26 points at times. Los Angeles shot 57 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 85 percent from the free-throw line, while Portland shot 48 percent from the field, 36 percent from long range and 60 percent from the charity stripe. They also recorded eight blocks, while Portland had just one.
The Clippers (44-25) were led by Paul George, providing 31 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Kawhi Leonard collected 22 points, six rebounds and three assists. Terance Mann amassed 20 points, four assists and two steals. James Harden had 15 points, five rebounds and 10 assists.
The Trail Blazers (19-51) were led by Scoot Henderson, tallying 24 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Kris Murray totaled 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists and four steals. Duop Reath registered 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Dalano Banton led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and two assists and two steals.
Portland has to play again on Saturday, remaining home to play the Denver Nuggets. Los Angeles returns to action on Sunday, returning home to play the Philadelphia 76ers.
A 42-27 first quarter set the tone for Los Angeles in this dominating victory, never relinquishing the lead after the opening five minutes. The final margin was actually the closest the game got after the opening quarter, with the Clippers getting their lead up to 26 points at times. Los Angeles shot 57 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 85 percent from the free-throw line, while Portland shot 48 percent from the field, 36 percent from long range and 60 percent from the charity stripe. They also recorded eight blocks, while Portland had just one.
The Clippers (44-25) were led by Paul George, providing 31 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Kawhi Leonard collected 22 points, six rebounds and three assists. Terance Mann amassed 20 points, four assists and two steals. James Harden had 15 points, five rebounds and 10 assists.
The Trail Blazers (19-51) were led by Scoot Henderson, tallying 24 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Kris Murray totaled 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists and four steals. Duop Reath registered 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Dalano Banton led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and two assists and two steals.
Portland has to play again on Saturday, remaining home to play the Denver Nuggets. Los Angeles returns to action on Sunday, returning home to play the Philadelphia 76ers.
Lakers Defeat Sixers, 101-94
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 101-94, at Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
There were nine ties and 12 lead changes in this game, with neither team grabbing a double-digit lead. The Lakers largest lead was nine points in the final minutes, riding a 26-18 fourth quarter to their victory. Los Angeles shot 44 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding Philadelphia to 34 percent from the field and 22 percent from long range. The Lakers also out-rebounded the Sixers, 63-53.
The Sixers (38-32) were led by Tyrese Maxey, tallying 27 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals. Kelly Oubre collected 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Tobias Harris had 16 points, 13 rebounds and four assists, while Mo Bamba amassed 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks.
The Lakers (38-32) were led by Anthony Davis, accruing 23 points, 19 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. LeBron James provided 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists and eight turnovers. D'Angelo Russell registered 14 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Rui Hahimura and Austin Reaves scored 14 points apiece. Reaves also registered six points and five assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie led the bench with 11 points and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles remaining home to play the Indiana Pacers and Philly staying in LA to play the Clippers.
There were nine ties and 12 lead changes in this game, with neither team grabbing a double-digit lead. The Lakers largest lead was nine points in the final minutes, riding a 26-18 fourth quarter to their victory. Los Angeles shot 44 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding Philadelphia to 34 percent from the field and 22 percent from long range. The Lakers also out-rebounded the Sixers, 63-53.
The Sixers (38-32) were led by Tyrese Maxey, tallying 27 points, two rebounds, three assists and three steals. Kelly Oubre collected 19 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Tobias Harris had 16 points, 13 rebounds and four assists, while Mo Bamba amassed 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and three blocks.
The Lakers (38-32) were led by Anthony Davis, accruing 23 points, 19 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. LeBron James provided 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists and eight turnovers. D'Angelo Russell registered 14 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Rui Hahimura and Austin Reaves scored 14 points apiece. Reaves also registered six points and five assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie led the bench with 11 points and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles remaining home to play the Indiana Pacers and Philly staying in LA to play the Clippers.