Dinwiddie Wins it For Nets
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Cleveland Cavaliers, 108-106, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Monday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Cavs held a one-point lead after one quarter. Neither team could create much separation through the second, while the Nets outscored the Cavs by two in the quarter, to take a one-point lead by halftime. The contest stayed tight through the third, but the Nets managed to push their lead to six, entering the fourth. The Cavs briefly took the lead early in the fourth, but the Nets pushed back ahead and owned a six-point lead with two minutes left in the contest. The battled continued down to the wire, as the Cavs tied the game at 106, but Spencer Dinwiddie came through with a last-second jumper to give the Nets their fourth straight win.
Dinwiddie finished with 23 points and nine assists, in 33 minutes. Jarrett Allen put up massive numbers, with 22 points, 21 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Joe Harris chipped in 19 points, while Taurean Prince added 18 points. The Nets shot 47 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Cavs with 23 points on 8-of-17 shooting, in 26 minutes off the bench. Larry Nance Jr. tallied 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Collin Sexton added 18 points. The Cavs shot 42 percent from the field, including 13-of-33 from long range.
The Cavs (5-12) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Wednesday. The Nets (9-8) take on the Celtics in Boston on Wednesday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Cavs held a one-point lead after one quarter. Neither team could create much separation through the second, while the Nets outscored the Cavs by two in the quarter, to take a one-point lead by halftime. The contest stayed tight through the third, but the Nets managed to push their lead to six, entering the fourth. The Cavs briefly took the lead early in the fourth, but the Nets pushed back ahead and owned a six-point lead with two minutes left in the contest. The battled continued down to the wire, as the Cavs tied the game at 106, but Spencer Dinwiddie came through with a last-second jumper to give the Nets their fourth straight win.
Dinwiddie finished with 23 points and nine assists, in 33 minutes. Jarrett Allen put up massive numbers, with 22 points, 21 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Joe Harris chipped in 19 points, while Taurean Prince added 18 points. The Nets shot 47 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Cavs with 23 points on 8-of-17 shooting, in 26 minutes off the bench. Larry Nance Jr. tallied 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Collin Sexton added 18 points. The Cavs shot 42 percent from the field, including 13-of-33 from long range.
The Cavs (5-12) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Magic on Wednesday. The Nets (9-8) take on the Celtics in Boston on Wednesday.
Pistons Use Strong Second Half To Take Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 103-88, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday evening.
The Pistons got out to a good start and led early on, but the Magic closed the quarter on 12-3 run, to take an eight-point lead into the second quarter. The Magic managed to hold the edge for almost the entire second quarter, while the Pistons battled back to make it a two-point game by halftime. The Pistons continued their push in the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors by 10, to take a 78-70 lead into the fourth. They kept the pressure on through the fourth, as they pushed their lead to 15, to hold on for the home win. The Pistons move to 5-3 at home, while this marks the third straight loss for the Magic.
Luke Kennard led the Pistons with 20 points, seven assists, four rebounds, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Blake Griffin tallied 17 points and five rebounds, while Andre Drummond added seven points and 18 rebounds. The Pistons shot 43 percent from the field, including 14-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Terrence Ross led the Magic with 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting, in 30 minutes off the bench. Evan Fournier followed up with 17 points, while Markelle Fultz tallied 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. The Magic shot 39 percent from the field, including 8-of-26 from deep.
The Magic (6-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday. The Pistons (6-11) take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Wednesday.
The Pistons got out to a good start and led early on, but the Magic closed the quarter on 12-3 run, to take an eight-point lead into the second quarter. The Magic managed to hold the edge for almost the entire second quarter, while the Pistons battled back to make it a two-point game by halftime. The Pistons continued their push in the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors by 10, to take a 78-70 lead into the fourth. They kept the pressure on through the fourth, as they pushed their lead to 15, to hold on for the home win. The Pistons move to 5-3 at home, while this marks the third straight loss for the Magic.
Luke Kennard led the Pistons with 20 points, seven assists, four rebounds, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Blake Griffin tallied 17 points and five rebounds, while Andre Drummond added seven points and 18 rebounds. The Pistons shot 43 percent from the field, including 14-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Terrence Ross led the Magic with 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting, in 30 minutes off the bench. Evan Fournier followed up with 17 points, while Markelle Fultz tallied 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals. The Magic shot 39 percent from the field, including 8-of-26 from deep.
The Magic (6-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday. The Pistons (6-11) take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Wednesday.
Pacers Trample Grizzlies, 126-114
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 126-114, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Monday night.
The Pacers wasted no time getting off to a fast start against one of the most defensively vulnerable teams in the league in the Grizzlies (5-11), building a 36-27 lead through one and expanding that advantage to 11 by halftime. Indiana ultimately held a 21-point edge going into the final period, which was enough to withstand occasional strong stretches of play by Memphis as the game wound down.
Jaren Jackson, Jr. paced the Grizzlies by furnishing 28 points, five rebounds and one assist. Ja Morant turned in a 19-point, 10-assist double-double that also included two rebounds, two steals and one block. Brandon Clarke delivered 17 points and four rebounds. Jonas Valanciuanas generated a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three blocks and one steal. Dillon Brooks and Jae Crowder had matching nine-point tallies.
T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 26 points and added four rebounds. Jeremy Lamb poured in 19 points and also posted four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Aaron Holiday generated 16 points off the bench. Malcolm Brogdon registered 14 points, eight assists, six rebounds and one steal in his return from injury. Domantas Sabonis supplied a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included six assists and two steals. T.J. McConnell had 11 points, six assists and five rebounds off the bench.
The Grizzlies return home and face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, while the Pacers remain home to tangle with the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night as well.
The Pacers wasted no time getting off to a fast start against one of the most defensively vulnerable teams in the league in the Grizzlies (5-11), building a 36-27 lead through one and expanding that advantage to 11 by halftime. Indiana ultimately held a 21-point edge going into the final period, which was enough to withstand occasional strong stretches of play by Memphis as the game wound down.
Jaren Jackson, Jr. paced the Grizzlies by furnishing 28 points, five rebounds and one assist. Ja Morant turned in a 19-point, 10-assist double-double that also included two rebounds, two steals and one block. Brandon Clarke delivered 17 points and four rebounds. Jonas Valanciuanas generated a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three blocks and one steal. Dillon Brooks and Jae Crowder had matching nine-point tallies.
T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 26 points and added four rebounds. Jeremy Lamb poured in 19 points and also posted four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Aaron Holiday generated 16 points off the bench. Malcolm Brogdon registered 14 points, eight assists, six rebounds and one steal in his return from injury. Domantas Sabonis supplied a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included six assists and two steals. T.J. McConnell had 11 points, six assists and five rebounds off the bench.
The Grizzlies return home and face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, while the Pacers remain home to tangle with the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night as well.
Timberwolves Best Hawks, 125-113
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 125-113, at Sttate Farm Arena on Monday night.
The game was projected to keep the scoreboard operator busy, with both teams sporting high-octane offense and suspect defense. The contest ultimately lived up to expectation in that regard and did so right from the jump, with the Hawks (4-13) jumping out to a 64-54 halftime lead after a big 34-point second quarter. However, the Timberwolves (9-8) managed to eliminate their deficit and build a three-point lead heading into the final period, adnd they ultimately took control by outscoring Atlanta, 32-23, over the last 12 minutes.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 28 points, adding 13 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Andrew Wiggins supplied 25 points, six boards, one assist and two steals. Jarrett Culver delivered 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Keita Bates-Diop and Gorgui Dieng had matching 13-point tallies and pulled down five and two rebounds, respectively.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 37 points while also dishing out nine assists and pulling down six rebounds. Jabari Parker registered 22 points, seven boards, two assists and two steals. Bruno Fernando came off the bench to tally 13 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. De'Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish and Damian Jones all had matching seven-point, three-rebound contributions.
The Timberwolves travel to meet the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, while the Hawks also hit the road and face the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves
The game was projected to keep the scoreboard operator busy, with both teams sporting high-octane offense and suspect defense. The contest ultimately lived up to expectation in that regard and did so right from the jump, with the Hawks (4-13) jumping out to a 64-54 halftime lead after a big 34-point second quarter. However, the Timberwolves (9-8) managed to eliminate their deficit and build a three-point lead heading into the final period, adnd they ultimately took control by outscoring Atlanta, 32-23, over the last 12 minutes.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 28 points, adding 13 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Andrew Wiggins supplied 25 points, six boards, one assist and two steals. Jarrett Culver delivered 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Keita Bates-Diop and Gorgui Dieng had matching 13-point tallies and pulled down five and two rebounds, respectively.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 37 points while also dishing out nine assists and pulling down six rebounds. Jabari Parker registered 22 points, seven boards, two assists and two steals. Bruno Fernando came off the bench to tally 13 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. De'Andre Hunter, Cam Reddish and Damian Jones all had matching seven-point, three-rebound contributions.
The Timberwolves travel to meet the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night, while the Hawks also hit the road and face the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves
Celtics Edge Out Kings
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 103-102, at TD Garden on Monday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start, but the Kings were able to take a three-point lead heading into the second quarter. The Kings led for most of the second, but the Celtics closed the half on a 9-2 run, to take a seven-point lead into the break. The Kings came out strong in the third and tied it up just minutes into the quarter. The teams played to a standstill from there, as the score was tied at 75, heading into the final frame. The Celtics pulled ahead by seven mid way through the fourth, but the Kings rallied back to tie it at 99, with one minute left. The Kings then managed a go-ahead basket, but the Celtics got the last laugh, thanks to Marcus Smart, who hit the game-wining layup and secured the win with a steal on the Kings' final possession.
Smart finished with 17 points, seven assists, five steals, three rebounds and a block, in 37 minutes. Jaylen Brown was the high-point man for Boston, with 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting, in 34 minutes. Jayson Tatum added 20 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Enes Kanter chipped in 13 points and nine rebounds.
Meanwhile, Buddy Hield led the Kings with 41 points on 15-of-26 shooting, including 11-of-21 from long range. Harrison Barnes added 20 points, while Bogdan Bogdanovic totalled 13 points and eight assists. The Kings shot 47 percent from the field, including 18-of-47 from long range.
The Kings (7-9) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers in Philly on Wednesday. The Celtics (12-4) play host to the Nets on Wednesday.
The contest got out to a tight start, but the Kings were able to take a three-point lead heading into the second quarter. The Kings led for most of the second, but the Celtics closed the half on a 9-2 run, to take a seven-point lead into the break. The Kings came out strong in the third and tied it up just minutes into the quarter. The teams played to a standstill from there, as the score was tied at 75, heading into the final frame. The Celtics pulled ahead by seven mid way through the fourth, but the Kings rallied back to tie it at 99, with one minute left. The Kings then managed a go-ahead basket, but the Celtics got the last laugh, thanks to Marcus Smart, who hit the game-wining layup and secured the win with a steal on the Kings' final possession.
Smart finished with 17 points, seven assists, five steals, three rebounds and a block, in 37 minutes. Jaylen Brown was the high-point man for Boston, with 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting, in 34 minutes. Jayson Tatum added 20 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Enes Kanter chipped in 13 points and nine rebounds.
Meanwhile, Buddy Hield led the Kings with 41 points on 15-of-26 shooting, including 11-of-21 from long range. Harrison Barnes added 20 points, while Bogdan Bogdanovic totalled 13 points and eight assists. The Kings shot 47 percent from the field, including 18-of-47 from long range.
The Kings (7-9) will look to bounce back as they take on the 76ers in Philly on Wednesday. The Celtics (12-4) play host to the Nets on Wednesday.
Heat Rolls Over Hornets, 117-100
The Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 117-100, at American Airlines Arena on Monday night.
The Heat (12-4) came into the contest looking to keep its home record unblemished, and they got off to a good start in that regard by building a 69-58 halftime lead. Miami was then able to add another five points to that advantage during the third, and they limited the Hornets (6-12) to just 18 points over the final 12 minutes to secure the double-digit victory.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 19 points, adding nine rebounds and five assists. Devonte' Graham delivered 16 points, eight assists and three boards. Malik Monk supplied 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bismack Biyombo managed 11 points, five boards and one assist. Cody Zeller posted 10 points.
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo generated matching 21-point tallies to lead the Heat. Butler also dished out seven assists, while Adebayo pulled down 13 rebounds. Kendrick Nunn poured in 19 points and dished out four assists among his contributions. Tyler Herro led the second unit with 18 points, while Kelly Olynk delivered a 15-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included two steals and one assist.
The Hornets return home to face the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, while the Heat pays a visit to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night as well.
The Heat (12-4) came into the contest looking to keep its home record unblemished, and they got off to a good start in that regard by building a 69-58 halftime lead. Miami was then able to add another five points to that advantage during the third, and they limited the Hornets (6-12) to just 18 points over the final 12 minutes to secure the double-digit victory.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 19 points, adding nine rebounds and five assists. Devonte' Graham delivered 16 points, eight assists and three boards. Malik Monk supplied 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bismack Biyombo managed 11 points, five boards and one assist. Cody Zeller posted 10 points.
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo generated matching 21-point tallies to lead the Heat. Butler also dished out seven assists, while Adebayo pulled down 13 rebounds. Kendrick Nunn poured in 19 points and dished out four assists among his contributions. Tyler Herro led the second unit with 18 points, while Kelly Olynk delivered a 15-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included two steals and one assist.
The Hornets return home to face the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, while the Heat pays a visit to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night as well.
Raptors Remain Undefeated At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 101-96, at Scotiabank Arena on Monday evening.
The Sixers got out to a good start on the road, as they closed the first quarter on a 17-11 run, to take a 34-28 lead into the second. The Raptors responded in the second quarter and rallied to take the lead halfway through the quarter, outscoring the visitors by eight in the period, to take a two-point lead by halftime. Both teams came out on fire in the third, with the Sixers outscoring the Raptors 31-30, to make it a one-point game entering the final frame. The Sixers pulled ahead early in the fourth and held a five-point lead with under four minutes left tin the contest. However, the Raptors came up clutch on both ends of the floor in the final minutes, as they closed the game on a 10-0 run, to stay undefeated at home and earn their fourth straight win.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Fred VanVleet followed up with 24 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 16 points and 10 rebounds, off the bench. The Raptors shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Josh Richardson led the Sixers with 25 points and six rebounds. Ben Simmons tallied 10 points, 14 assists, nine rebounds and two steals, while Joel Embiid was held scoreless, as he shot 0-of-11 from the field. The 76ers shot 41 percent from the field, including 15-of-40 from long range.
The 76ers (11-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Wednesday. The Raptors (12-4) play host to the Knicks on Wednesday.
The Sixers got out to a good start on the road, as they closed the first quarter on a 17-11 run, to take a 34-28 lead into the second. The Raptors responded in the second quarter and rallied to take the lead halfway through the quarter, outscoring the visitors by eight in the period, to take a two-point lead by halftime. Both teams came out on fire in the third, with the Sixers outscoring the Raptors 31-30, to make it a one-point game entering the final frame. The Sixers pulled ahead early in the fourth and held a five-point lead with under four minutes left tin the contest. However, the Raptors came up clutch on both ends of the floor in the final minutes, as they closed the game on a 10-0 run, to stay undefeated at home and earn their fourth straight win.
Pascal Siakam led the Raptors with 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Fred VanVleet followed up with 24 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 16 points and 10 rebounds, off the bench. The Raptors shot 45 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Josh Richardson led the Sixers with 25 points and six rebounds. Ben Simmons tallied 10 points, 14 assists, nine rebounds and two steals, while Joel Embiid was held scoreless, as he shot 0-of-11 from the field. The 76ers shot 41 percent from the field, including 15-of-40 from long range.
The 76ers (11-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Wednesday. The Raptors (12-4) play host to the Knicks on Wednesday.
Trail Blazers Handle Bulls, 117-94
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 117-94, at United Center on Monday night.
The Trail Blazers (6-12) were confronted with a feisty Bulls (6-12) squad right from the opening tip, and Chicago forged a 28-27 lead after one quarter. However, Portland managed to carry an eight-point lead into halftime and then separated for good during a third quarter in which they tallied 30 points and limited their hosts to just 18. The Blazers shot an impressive 51.7 percent and won the rebounding battle by a 55-37 margin.
Carmelo Anthony led the Trail Blazers with 25 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists and one steal. C.J. McCollum supplied 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Rodney Hood supplied 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Damian Lillard and Hassan Whiteside generated matching 13-point contributions, with Lillard also dishing out 12 assists and Whiteside pulling down 12 rebounds. Skal Labissiere had 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 18 points, adding five assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Wendell Carter, Jr. posted 12 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Tomas Satoransky and Denzel Valentine had matching 11-point tallies, with Satoransky also pulling down five rebounds and dishing out five assists and Valentine recording four boards.
The Trail Blazers head back to home to tangle with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the Bulls pay a visit to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday evening as well.
The Trail Blazers (6-12) were confronted with a feisty Bulls (6-12) squad right from the opening tip, and Chicago forged a 28-27 lead after one quarter. However, Portland managed to carry an eight-point lead into halftime and then separated for good during a third quarter in which they tallied 30 points and limited their hosts to just 18. The Blazers shot an impressive 51.7 percent and won the rebounding battle by a 55-37 margin.
Carmelo Anthony led the Trail Blazers with 25 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists and one steal. C.J. McCollum supplied 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block. Rodney Hood supplied 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Damian Lillard and Hassan Whiteside generated matching 13-point contributions, with Lillard also dishing out 12 assists and Whiteside pulling down 12 rebounds. Skal Labissiere had 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 18 points, adding five assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Wendell Carter, Jr. posted 12 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Tomas Satoransky and Denzel Valentine had matching 11-point tallies, with Satoransky also pulling down five rebounds and dishing out five assists and Valentine recording four boards.
The Trail Blazers head back to home to tangle with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, while the Bulls pay a visit to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday evening as well.
Bucks Defeat Jazz, 122-118
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 122-118, at Fiserv Forum on Monday.
There were nine ties and nine lead changes in this closely fought battle, with Milwaukee prevailing. The key was a 10-0 run to end the third quarter, as that allowed the Bucks to hold the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, despite Utah getting it to a two-point game with less than 10 seconds remaining. Offensive rebounding was key for Milwaukee, winning that battle, 15-4. In addition, the Bucks connected on 23-of-29 from the free-throw line while the Jazz hit 11-of-12. They won despite Utah shooting 51 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range.
The Jazz (11-6) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, who collected 24 points, three rebounds and four assists. Donovan Mitchell finished with 20 points, three assists and two steals. Timothy Bradley started for Rudy Gobert, amassing eight points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Joe Ingles led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Bucks (14-3) got a career performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who tallied 50 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Wesley Matthews accrued 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Eric Bledsoe generated 13 points, three rebounds and five assists. Brook Lopez had five points, six rebounds and four blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Utah traveling to face the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee remaining at home to face the Atlanta Hawks.
There were nine ties and nine lead changes in this closely fought battle, with Milwaukee prevailing. The key was a 10-0 run to end the third quarter, as that allowed the Bucks to hold the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, despite Utah getting it to a two-point game with less than 10 seconds remaining. Offensive rebounding was key for Milwaukee, winning that battle, 15-4. In addition, the Bucks connected on 23-of-29 from the free-throw line while the Jazz hit 11-of-12. They won despite Utah shooting 51 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range.
The Jazz (11-6) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, who collected 24 points, three rebounds and four assists. Donovan Mitchell finished with 20 points, three assists and two steals. Timothy Bradley started for Rudy Gobert, amassing eight points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Joe Ingles led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Bucks (14-3) got a career performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who tallied 50 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Wesley Matthews accrued 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Eric Bledsoe generated 13 points, three rebounds and five assists. Brook Lopez had five points, six rebounds and four blocks.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Utah traveling to face the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee remaining at home to face the Atlanta Hawks.
Lakers Defeat Spurs, 114-104
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 114-104, at AT&T Center on Monday.
While there were six ties and eight lead changes in the first 30 minutes, Los Angeles dominated from there. In fact, the Lakers outscored the Spurs in the second half, 60-48, leading by at least five points for the final 10 minutes of play. The only major difference in the stat sheet was the assist-to-turnover differential, with Los Angeles recording 28 assists to nine turnovers while the Spurs committed 13 turnovers to 23 assists. In addition, the Lakers won the points in the paint battle, 48-28 and the fastbreak scoring differential, 12-6.
The Lakers (15-2) were led by LeBron James, who tallied 33 points, three rebounds and 14 assists. Anthony Davis finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Rajon Rondo led the bench with 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope dropped 14 points in an otherwise empty stat line.
The Spurs (6-12) were led by LaMarcus Aldridge, who generated 30 points and five rebounds. DeMar DeRozan accrued 24 points, four rebounds and five assists. Bryn Forbes amassed 13 points, three rebounds and five assists while Derrick White totaled 11 points and four assists. No other player had more than six points.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While there were six ties and eight lead changes in the first 30 minutes, Los Angeles dominated from there. In fact, the Lakers outscored the Spurs in the second half, 60-48, leading by at least five points for the final 10 minutes of play. The only major difference in the stat sheet was the assist-to-turnover differential, with Los Angeles recording 28 assists to nine turnovers while the Spurs committed 13 turnovers to 23 assists. In addition, the Lakers won the points in the paint battle, 48-28 and the fastbreak scoring differential, 12-6.
The Lakers (15-2) were led by LeBron James, who tallied 33 points, three rebounds and 14 assists. Anthony Davis finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks. Rajon Rondo led the bench with 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope dropped 14 points in an otherwise empty stat line.
The Spurs (6-12) were led by LaMarcus Aldridge, who generated 30 points and five rebounds. DeMar DeRozan accrued 24 points, four rebounds and five assists. Bryn Forbes amassed 13 points, three rebounds and five assists while Derrick White totaled 11 points and four assists. No other player had more than six points.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Thunder Defeat Warriors, 100-97
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 100-97, at Chase Center on Monday.
While Golden State led for the majority of this game, Oklahoma City was able to prevail. In fact, the Warriors held the lead between the end of the first quarter until the final minute of the fourth but the Thunder finished on a 22-5 run across the final eight minutes to narrowly win. In addition, the Thunder scored the final 13 points of the game. The Thunder ended up shooting 47 percent from the field while holding the Warriors to 42 percent shooting. OKC also out-blocked Golden State, 13-7, with many of those coming in the final stretch run.
The Thunder (6-10) were led by Dennis Schroder, who came off the bench to provide 22 points and five assists. Chris Paul led the starters with 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Danilo Gallinari amassed 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander totaled 12 points, five rebounds and three assists. Steven Adams generated 10 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four blocks.
The Warriors (3-15) got career-highs from Glenn Robinson III and Ky Bowman, with Robinson accruing 25 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals while Bowman collected 24 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. Eric Paschall tallied 13 points and 10 rebounds while Jordan Poole led the bench with 11 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Oklahoma City traveling to face the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State remaining home to face the Chicago Bulls.
While Golden State led for the majority of this game, Oklahoma City was able to prevail. In fact, the Warriors held the lead between the end of the first quarter until the final minute of the fourth but the Thunder finished on a 22-5 run across the final eight minutes to narrowly win. In addition, the Thunder scored the final 13 points of the game. The Thunder ended up shooting 47 percent from the field while holding the Warriors to 42 percent shooting. OKC also out-blocked Golden State, 13-7, with many of those coming in the final stretch run.
The Thunder (6-10) were led by Dennis Schroder, who came off the bench to provide 22 points and five assists. Chris Paul led the starters with 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Danilo Gallinari amassed 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander totaled 12 points, five rebounds and three assists. Steven Adams generated 10 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and four blocks.
The Warriors (3-15) got career-highs from Glenn Robinson III and Ky Bowman, with Robinson accruing 25 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals while Bowman collected 24 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. Eric Paschall tallied 13 points and 10 rebounds while Jordan Poole led the bench with 11 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Oklahoma City traveling to face the Portland Trail Blazers and Golden State remaining home to face the Chicago Bulls.