Wizards Edge Magic, 95-91
The Washington Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic, 95-91, at Amway Center on Friday night.
The Wizards (21-27) looked to be firmly in control during a first half in which they forged a 50-38 advantage. However, the Magic (20-29) put up more of a fight in the second half, clawing all the way back to take a 91-89 lead with 1:37 remaining before allowing the visitors to finish the game on a 6-0 run. The Wizards managed to score the victory despite losing the battle of the boards by a sizable 52-38 margin.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 27 points, adding seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Jeff Green supplied 24 points, six boards and three assists. Thomas Bryant contributed 11 points and six boards. Otto Porter, Jr. turned in 10 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Tomas Satoransky filled out the stat sheet with nine points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal.
Nikola Vucevic paced the Magic with 28 points, adding nine boards, one assist and one steal. Aaron Gordon generated a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included six assists and one block. Terrance Ross poured in 16 points, adding six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jonathan Isaac delivered eight points, eight rebounds and one assist.
The Wizards remain on the road and tangle with the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday evening, while the Magic pay a visit to the Houston Rockets on Sunday night.
The Wizards (21-27) looked to be firmly in control during a first half in which they forged a 50-38 advantage. However, the Magic (20-29) put up more of a fight in the second half, clawing all the way back to take a 91-89 lead with 1:37 remaining before allowing the visitors to finish the game on a 6-0 run. The Wizards managed to score the victory despite losing the battle of the boards by a sizable 52-38 margin.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 27 points, adding seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Jeff Green supplied 24 points, six boards and three assists. Thomas Bryant contributed 11 points and six boards. Otto Porter, Jr. turned in 10 points, six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Tomas Satoransky filled out the stat sheet with nine points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal.
Nikola Vucevic paced the Magic with 28 points, adding nine boards, one assist and one steal. Aaron Gordon generated a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included six assists and one block. Terrance Ross poured in 16 points, adding six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Jonathan Isaac delivered eight points, eight rebounds and one assist.
The Wizards remain on the road and tangle with the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday evening, while the Magic pay a visit to the Houston Rockets on Sunday night.
Heat Gets Past Cavs, 100-94
The Miami Heat defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 100-94, at Quicken Loans Arena on Friday evening.
The Heat (23-24) took the Cavaliers' (9-41) best punch in the first half, as Cleveland jumped out to a 53-48 halftime lead. However, Miami established its dominance in the third, erasing their slim deficit and building a 10-point advantage heading into the final period. The home squad chipped away and got within the final margin of victory courtesy of an Alec Burks three-pointer with 3.3 seconds remaining, but it was a case of too little, too late. The Heat benefited from a 48-42 rebounding advantage and a 35-point contribution from their second unit.
Justise Winslow led the Heat with 27 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Hassan Whiteside posted a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included one assist, one steal and one block. Derrick Jones, Jr. generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double of his own. Dwyane Wade tallied 13 points, six boards and three assists. Josh Richardson produced 10 points and four assists. Tyler Johnson supplied nine points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals.
Cedi Osman paced the Cavaliers with 29 points and supplemented them with four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Burks and Collin Sexton turned in matching 13-point tallies while pulling down seven and two rebounds, respectively. Ante Zizic furnished 11 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Rodney Hood registered 10 points, four assists and three rebounds.
The Heat remain on the road and tangle with the New York Knicks on Sunday night, while the Cavaliers make the short trip to the Windy City to face the Chicago Bulls on Sunday afternoon.
The Heat (23-24) took the Cavaliers' (9-41) best punch in the first half, as Cleveland jumped out to a 53-48 halftime lead. However, Miami established its dominance in the third, erasing their slim deficit and building a 10-point advantage heading into the final period. The home squad chipped away and got within the final margin of victory courtesy of an Alec Burks three-pointer with 3.3 seconds remaining, but it was a case of too little, too late. The Heat benefited from a 48-42 rebounding advantage and a 35-point contribution from their second unit.
Justise Winslow led the Heat with 27 points, adding seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Hassan Whiteside posted a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included one assist, one steal and one block. Derrick Jones, Jr. generated a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double of his own. Dwyane Wade tallied 13 points, six boards and three assists. Josh Richardson produced 10 points and four assists. Tyler Johnson supplied nine points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals.
Cedi Osman paced the Cavaliers with 29 points and supplemented them with four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Burks and Collin Sexton turned in matching 13-point tallies while pulling down seven and two rebounds, respectively. Ante Zizic furnished 11 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Rodney Hood registered 10 points, four assists and three rebounds.
The Heat remain on the road and tangle with the New York Knicks on Sunday night, while the Cavaliers make the short trip to the Windy City to face the Chicago Bulls on Sunday afternoon.
Nets Topple Knicks, 109-99
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the New York Knicks, 109-99, at Barclays Center on Friday evening.
The Knicks (10-37) ambushed their cross-town rival early on, building a 37-30 first-quarter lead. However, the Nets (27-23) had managed to forge a 60-60 tie by halftime, and they maintained their momentum in the third quarter. Brooklyn carved out a five-point edge going into the final period, and they essentially sealed the win by opening the fourth quarter with a 17-5 run. The home squad especially dominated on the boards, out-rebounding New York by a 60-33 margin. The Nets bench was critical to the victory, as they generated 72 of the team's 109 points.
Trey Burke led the way for the Knicks with 25 points, adding five assists, two steals and two blocks. Noah Vonleh managed a 22-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two blocks. Allonzo Trier posted 13 points, two assists, one rebound and two steals. Tim Hardaway, Jr. managed 10 points, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Kevin Knox furnished seven points, four rebounds and two steals.
Theo Pinson paced the Nets with 19 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Shabazz Napier delivered 18 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ed Davis generated a 17-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one block. D'Angelo Russell registered 12 points, four assists and three rebounds. Joe Harris and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson finished with matching 10-point, seven-rebound, three-assist tallies.
The Knicks remain home and tangle with the Miami Heat on Sunday night, while the Nets pay a visit to the Boston Celtics on Monday evening.
The Knicks (10-37) ambushed their cross-town rival early on, building a 37-30 first-quarter lead. However, the Nets (27-23) had managed to forge a 60-60 tie by halftime, and they maintained their momentum in the third quarter. Brooklyn carved out a five-point edge going into the final period, and they essentially sealed the win by opening the fourth quarter with a 17-5 run. The home squad especially dominated on the boards, out-rebounding New York by a 60-33 margin. The Nets bench was critical to the victory, as they generated 72 of the team's 109 points.
Trey Burke led the way for the Knicks with 25 points, adding five assists, two steals and two blocks. Noah Vonleh managed a 22-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included three assists and two blocks. Allonzo Trier posted 13 points, two assists, one rebound and two steals. Tim Hardaway, Jr. managed 10 points, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Kevin Knox furnished seven points, four rebounds and two steals.
Theo Pinson paced the Nets with 19 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Shabazz Napier delivered 18 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ed Davis generated a 17-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one block. D'Angelo Russell registered 12 points, four assists and three rebounds. Joe Harris and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson finished with matching 10-point, seven-rebound, three-assist tallies.
The Knicks remain home and tangle with the Miami Heat on Sunday night, while the Nets pay a visit to the Boston Celtics on Monday evening.
Clippers Defeat Bulls, 106-101
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 106-101, at United Center on Friday.
There were six ties and eight lead changes in this competitive game, as it came down to the wire. Los Angeles did most of their damage in the first and fourth quarters, outscoring Chicago, 53-39. The Clippers defense was key, as they held the Bulls to 39 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range. Ball movement was huge as well, with Los Angeles out-assisting Chicago, 27-20. The Clippers were much more effective with the whistle too, as they hit 22-of-29 of their free throws while the Bulls connected on 11-of-12. The Clippers bench was also a huge factor, outscoring the Bulls bench, 54-20;
The Clippers (27-22) got a triple-double from Lou Williams off the bench, as he provided 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Tobias Harris led the starters with 29 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Avery Bradley totaled 11 points, five rebounds and two assists while Montrezl Harrell amassed 11 points and four rebounds off the bench.
The Bulls (11-38) were led by Zach LaVine, as he tallied 29 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Bobby Portis started and finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Chandler Hutchinson accrued 12 points, 12 rebounds and two assists while Kris Dunn finished with nine points, four rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Jabari Parker led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles playing host to the Sacramento Kings and Chicago welcoming the Cleveland Cavaliers to United Center.
There were six ties and eight lead changes in this competitive game, as it came down to the wire. Los Angeles did most of their damage in the first and fourth quarters, outscoring Chicago, 53-39. The Clippers defense was key, as they held the Bulls to 39 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range. Ball movement was huge as well, with Los Angeles out-assisting Chicago, 27-20. The Clippers were much more effective with the whistle too, as they hit 22-of-29 of their free throws while the Bulls connected on 11-of-12. The Clippers bench was also a huge factor, outscoring the Bulls bench, 54-20;
The Clippers (27-22) got a triple-double from Lou Williams off the bench, as he provided 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Tobias Harris led the starters with 29 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Avery Bradley totaled 11 points, five rebounds and two assists while Montrezl Harrell amassed 11 points and four rebounds off the bench.
The Bulls (11-38) were led by Zach LaVine, as he tallied 29 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Bobby Portis started and finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Chandler Hutchinson accrued 12 points, 12 rebounds and two assists while Kris Dunn finished with nine points, four rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Jabari Parker led the bench with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles playing host to the Sacramento Kings and Chicago welcoming the Cleveland Cavaliers to United Center.
Rockets defeat Raptors, 121-119
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 121-119, at Toyota Center on Friday.
It's rare to see a wire-to-wire win end in a two-point final margin but that was the case here for Houston. In fact, a 33-20 first quarter was too much for Toronto to overcome, as they nearly overcame a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The Rockets defense was the difference, as they recorded 11 steals and five blocks while the Raptors recorded just four steals and one block. In addition, Houston won the turnover differential, 19-12. Getting to the free-throw line was also critical, with Houston connecting on 29-of-33 and Toronto hitting 17-of-18.
The Raptors (36-15) were led by Kawhi Leonard, as he tallied 32 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Danny Green totaled 22 points. one rebound and one assist. Pascal Siakam accrued 22 points, 12 rebounds and three assists while Serge Ibaka amassed 12 points and 14 rebounds.
The Rockets (28-20) were led by James Harden, as he collected 35 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Eric Gordon accumulated 24 points, two rebounds and three steals. P.J. Tucker generated 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and four steals while Kenneth Faried finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Houston playing host to the Orlando Magic and Toronto traveling to face the Dallas Mavericks. Chris Paul is expected to make his return for the Rockets in that game after missing two months due to a hamstring injury.
It's rare to see a wire-to-wire win end in a two-point final margin but that was the case here for Houston. In fact, a 33-20 first quarter was too much for Toronto to overcome, as they nearly overcame a 19-point deficit in the fourth quarter. The Rockets defense was the difference, as they recorded 11 steals and five blocks while the Raptors recorded just four steals and one block. In addition, Houston won the turnover differential, 19-12. Getting to the free-throw line was also critical, with Houston connecting on 29-of-33 and Toronto hitting 17-of-18.
The Raptors (36-15) were led by Kawhi Leonard, as he tallied 32 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Danny Green totaled 22 points. one rebound and one assist. Pascal Siakam accrued 22 points, 12 rebounds and three assists while Serge Ibaka amassed 12 points and 14 rebounds.
The Rockets (28-20) were led by James Harden, as he collected 35 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Eric Gordon accumulated 24 points, two rebounds and three steals. P.J. Tucker generated 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and four steals while Kenneth Faried finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Houston playing host to the Orlando Magic and Toronto traveling to face the Dallas Mavericks. Chris Paul is expected to make his return for the Rockets in that game after missing two months due to a hamstring injury.
Kings Hold On In Memphis
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 99-96, at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
the contest got out to a competitive start, with the visitors holding a one-point lead after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second quarter, until the Kings used a 7-0 run to end the quarter and take a 48-42 lead into halftime. The Kings managed to stay in front for most of the third, until the Grizzlies tied it up at 69 with 2:22 left. However, the Kings closed the quarter strong and took a 77-71 into the final frame. They stayed in front once again for most of the fourth, but the Grizzlies kept battling and made it a one-point game with just under three minutes to go. Nonetheless, the Kings held the edge and were able to break their two-game slide. This marks the eighth straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Buddy Hield led the Kings with 26 points, seven rebounds and two assists, in 35 minutes. De'Aaron Fox followed up with 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal, while Nemanja Bjelica added 17 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and one steal. The Kings shot 41 percent from the field, including 12-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Omri Casspi led the Kings with 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting, five rebounds and four steals, in 24 minutes off the bench. Mike Conley followed up with 16 points, nine assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block, while Marc Gasol added 11 points, 10 rebounds and one assist. The Grizzlies shot 42 percent from the field, including 6-of-20 from long range.
The Grizzlies (19-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Saturday. The Kings (25-24) take on the Clippers in Los Angeles on Sunday.
the contest got out to a competitive start, with the visitors holding a one-point lead after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second quarter, until the Kings used a 7-0 run to end the quarter and take a 48-42 lead into halftime. The Kings managed to stay in front for most of the third, until the Grizzlies tied it up at 69 with 2:22 left. However, the Kings closed the quarter strong and took a 77-71 into the final frame. They stayed in front once again for most of the fourth, but the Grizzlies kept battling and made it a one-point game with just under three minutes to go. Nonetheless, the Kings held the edge and were able to break their two-game slide. This marks the eighth straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Buddy Hield led the Kings with 26 points, seven rebounds and two assists, in 35 minutes. De'Aaron Fox followed up with 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and one steal, while Nemanja Bjelica added 17 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and one steal. The Kings shot 41 percent from the field, including 12-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Omri Casspi led the Kings with 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting, five rebounds and four steals, in 24 minutes off the bench. Mike Conley followed up with 16 points, nine assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block, while Marc Gasol added 11 points, 10 rebounds and one assist. The Grizzlies shot 42 percent from the field, including 6-of-20 from long range.
The Grizzlies (19-30) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Saturday. The Kings (25-24) take on the Clippers in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Doncic Leads Mavs To Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 106-101, at American Airlines Center on Friday evening.
The Pistons got out to a good start on the road, with a 28-23 lead after one quarter. However, the Mavericks turned it up a notch in the second, where they outscored the visitors by 13, to take a 62-54 lead into halftime. The Pistons started off the third quarter well and tied it up at 70 just a few minutes in, but the Mavericks pulled back ahead and took a three-point lead into the final frame. The Pistons battled right down to the wire, but the Mavs were able to hold on at home for their second straight win.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 32 points on 9-of-19 shooting, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block, in 35 minutes. Dennis Smith Jr. followed up with 19 points, five assists and two rebounds, while DeAndre Jordan added 13 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and one steal. The Mavs shot 46 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Blake Griffin led the Pistons with 35 points on 12-of-24 shooting, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal, in 39 minutes. Andre Drummond followed up with 23 points, 15 rebounds and three steals, while Reggie Jackson added 12 points, nine assists and three rebounds. The Pistons shot 41 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from long range.
The Pistons (21-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Tuesday. The Mavericks (22-26) play host to the Raptors on Sunday.
The Pistons got out to a good start on the road, with a 28-23 lead after one quarter. However, the Mavericks turned it up a notch in the second, where they outscored the visitors by 13, to take a 62-54 lead into halftime. The Pistons started off the third quarter well and tied it up at 70 just a few minutes in, but the Mavericks pulled back ahead and took a three-point lead into the final frame. The Pistons battled right down to the wire, but the Mavs were able to hold on at home for their second straight win.
Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 32 points on 9-of-19 shooting, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block, in 35 minutes. Dennis Smith Jr. followed up with 19 points, five assists and two rebounds, while DeAndre Jordan added 13 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and one steal. The Mavs shot 46 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Blake Griffin led the Pistons with 35 points on 12-of-24 shooting, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal, in 39 minutes. Andre Drummond followed up with 23 points, 15 rebounds and three steals, while Reggie Jackson added 12 points, nine assists and three rebounds. The Pistons shot 41 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from long range.
The Pistons (21-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Tuesday. The Mavericks (22-26) play host to the Raptors on Sunday.
Bucks Defeat Hornets, 108-99
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 108-99, at Fiserv Forum on Friday.
While Charlotte led for the majority of this game, Milwaukee rode a 32-12 fourth quarter to a comeback victory. In fact, Milwaukee only led for a single minute before that fourth quarter, as the nine-point final margin was easily their largest lead of the game. Turnovers really killed Charlotte, as they lost that battle, 17-11. Milwaukee's defense was also critical, as they held Charlotte to 40 percent from the field, 26 percent from three-point range and 68 percent from the free-throw line.
The Hornets (23-25) were led by Nicolas Batum, as he tallied 19 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jeremy Lamb totaled 16 points and four rebounds. Marvin Williams amassed 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists while Kemba Walker collected 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists before leaving due to a neck injury.
The Bucks (35-12) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he accumulated 34 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks. Malcolm Brogdon generated 19 points and five rebounds. Eric Bledsoe finished with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists while Khris Middleton accrued 15 points, five rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Milwaukee is a road matchup versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. As for Charlotte, they play host to the New York Knicks on Monday for their next fixture.
While Charlotte led for the majority of this game, Milwaukee rode a 32-12 fourth quarter to a comeback victory. In fact, Milwaukee only led for a single minute before that fourth quarter, as the nine-point final margin was easily their largest lead of the game. Turnovers really killed Charlotte, as they lost that battle, 17-11. Milwaukee's defense was also critical, as they held Charlotte to 40 percent from the field, 26 percent from three-point range and 68 percent from the free-throw line.
The Hornets (23-25) were led by Nicolas Batum, as he tallied 19 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jeremy Lamb totaled 16 points and four rebounds. Marvin Williams amassed 13 points, eight rebounds and two assists while Kemba Walker collected 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists before leaving due to a neck injury.
The Bucks (35-12) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he accumulated 34 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks. Malcolm Brogdon generated 19 points and five rebounds. Eric Bledsoe finished with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists while Khris Middleton accrued 15 points, five rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Milwaukee is a road matchup versus the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. As for Charlotte, they play host to the New York Knicks on Monday for their next fixture.
Nuggets Cruise To Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 132-95, at Pepsi Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the visitors taking a five-point lead after one quarter. The Nuggets carried the momentum into the second, where they outscored the Suns by 10, to take a 70-55 lead into halftime. The Suns came out battling in the third, but could not make a dent in the deficit, as they were outscored by two in the quarter, and trailed by 17 entering the fourth. Despite missing Nikola Jokic (suspension), the Nuggets were able to cruise to the road win. This marks the seventh straight loss for Phoenix.
Paul Millsap led the Nuggets with 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting, three steals and two assists, in 22 minutes. Malik Beasley followed up with 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting, three rebounds and one steal, in 22 minutes off the bench, while Monte Morris added 17 points, three rebounds and one assist, in 25 minutes off the bench. The Nuggets shot 50 percent from the field, including 15-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points on 9-of-19 shooting, four rebounds and two assists, in 30 minutes. Josh Jackson followed up with 17 points on 5-of-14 shooting, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal, while Dragan Bender added 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Suns (11-40) will look to bounce back as they take on the Lakers in L.A. on Sunday. The Nuggets (32-15) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the visitors taking a five-point lead after one quarter. The Nuggets carried the momentum into the second, where they outscored the Suns by 10, to take a 70-55 lead into halftime. The Suns came out battling in the third, but could not make a dent in the deficit, as they were outscored by two in the quarter, and trailed by 17 entering the fourth. Despite missing Nikola Jokic (suspension), the Nuggets were able to cruise to the road win. This marks the seventh straight loss for Phoenix.
Paul Millsap led the Nuggets with 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting, three steals and two assists, in 22 minutes. Malik Beasley followed up with 19 points on 6-of-11 shooting, three rebounds and one steal, in 22 minutes off the bench, while Monte Morris added 17 points, three rebounds and one assist, in 25 minutes off the bench. The Nuggets shot 50 percent from the field, including 15-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points on 9-of-19 shooting, four rebounds and two assists, in 30 minutes. Josh Jackson followed up with 17 points on 5-of-14 shooting, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal, while Dragan Bender added 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Suns (11-40) will look to bounce back as they take on the Lakers in L.A. on Sunday. The Nuggets (32-15) play host to the 76ers on Saturday.
Mitchell Leads Jazz To Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 106-102, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday evening.
The Jazz got out to a strong start at home, with a 31-24 lead after one quarter. The Timberwolves tightened up in the second, but could not make a dent in the lead, as they matched the Jazz for 21 points each in the quarter. The Jazz came out on fire in the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors by 14, to take a 21-point lead into the final frame. However, the Timberwolves rallied hard in the fourth, outscoring the Jazz 33-16 in the quarter, but despite their best shot, it was not enough, as the Jazz held on for their second straight win.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 24 points on 7-of-24 shooting, 11 assists, seven rebounds, one block and one steal, in 38 minutes. Rudy Gobert followed up with 18 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks, two assists and two steals, while Kyle Korver chipped in 16 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 26 minutes off the bench. The Jazz shot 39 percent from the field, including 13-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 33 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal, in 28 minutes. Andrew Wiggins followed up with 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block, while Jerryd Bayless added 11 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. The T-Wolves shot 42 percent from the field, including 8-of-27 from deep.
The Jazz (28-22) and the Timberwolves (24-25) will have a rematch in Minnesota on Sunday.
The Jazz got out to a strong start at home, with a 31-24 lead after one quarter. The Timberwolves tightened up in the second, but could not make a dent in the lead, as they matched the Jazz for 21 points each in the quarter. The Jazz came out on fire in the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors by 14, to take a 21-point lead into the final frame. However, the Timberwolves rallied hard in the fourth, outscoring the Jazz 33-16 in the quarter, but despite their best shot, it was not enough, as the Jazz held on for their second straight win.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 24 points on 7-of-24 shooting, 11 assists, seven rebounds, one block and one steal, in 38 minutes. Rudy Gobert followed up with 18 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks, two assists and two steals, while Kyle Korver chipped in 16 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 26 minutes off the bench. The Jazz shot 39 percent from the field, including 13-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 33 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal, in 28 minutes. Andrew Wiggins followed up with 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block, while Jerryd Bayless added 11 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. The T-Wolves shot 42 percent from the field, including 8-of-27 from deep.
The Jazz (28-22) and the Timberwolves (24-25) will have a rematch in Minnesota on Sunday.