Clippers Secure Huge Road Win Over Pacers
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 110-99, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Monday evening.
The Clippers (18-7) didn't have Kawhi Leonard (knee) available for this game, but apparently his absence didn't have much of a factor in this contest since the Pacers (15-9) couldn't find a way to stop Paul George. The Clippers started this game with a bang, and quickly jumped to a 24-19 lead following the first quarter. They pulled away for good in the second quarter (36-29) and further extended their advantage in the third quarter (31-25), essentially icing the game out by the time the final 12 minutes arrived. Even though Indiana won the final quarter by a 26-19 score, that was garbage time and the Clippers eased their way towards a solid win away from home. With the win, the Clippers improved to 5-6 away from home while the Pacers fell to 9-3 at home.
Despite Kawhi Leonard’s absence, Paul George led the way for the Clippers, and he delivered an impressive performance with 36 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac chipped in with 13 points and eight boards, while Patrick Beverley filled the stat sheet thanks to 11 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Montrezl Harrell had 26 points and eight rebounds in 30 minutes off the bench. Lou Williams struggled in his usual substitute role, finishing with six points in 33 minutes but shooting 2-for-19 from the field.
Domantas Sabonis had another strong night on the glass, and he finished with 22 rebounds as well as 18 points. Malcolm Brogdon chipped in with 20 points and two assists. T.J. Warren and Jeremy Lamb each had 12 points. Doug McDermott had 17 points.
The Clippers (18-7) didn't have Kawhi Leonard (knee) available for this game, but apparently his absence didn't have much of a factor in this contest since the Pacers (15-9) couldn't find a way to stop Paul George. The Clippers started this game with a bang, and quickly jumped to a 24-19 lead following the first quarter. They pulled away for good in the second quarter (36-29) and further extended their advantage in the third quarter (31-25), essentially icing the game out by the time the final 12 minutes arrived. Even though Indiana won the final quarter by a 26-19 score, that was garbage time and the Clippers eased their way towards a solid win away from home. With the win, the Clippers improved to 5-6 away from home while the Pacers fell to 9-3 at home.
Despite Kawhi Leonard’s absence, Paul George led the way for the Clippers, and he delivered an impressive performance with 36 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac chipped in with 13 points and eight boards, while Patrick Beverley filled the stat sheet thanks to 11 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Montrezl Harrell had 26 points and eight rebounds in 30 minutes off the bench. Lou Williams struggled in his usual substitute role, finishing with six points in 33 minutes but shooting 2-for-19 from the field.
Domantas Sabonis had another strong night on the glass, and he finished with 22 rebounds as well as 18 points. Malcolm Brogdon chipped in with 20 points and two assists. T.J. Warren and Jeremy Lamb each had 12 points. Doug McDermott had 17 points.
Celtics Dominate, Defeat Cavaliers At Home
The Boston Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 110-88, at TD Garden on Monday evening.
The Celtics (17-5) ended their three-game home stand on a strong note, as they didn't have major problems to secure a double-digit win over a lowly Cavaliers (5-18) team. Boston quickly jumped to a 29-18 lead in the first quarter, and they would never looked back since Brad Stevens' men won every single quarter separatedly. Boston extended their lead following a 24-22 score in the second quarter, and things didn't change in the second half. The Celtics won the third quarter 30-26, and they would end the game with a 27-22 fourth-quarter score. The Cavaliers didn't have a single shot at turning things around, and Boston cruised their way to a solid win. With the win, Boston moved to 10-0 at home while the Cavaliers fell to 2-9 on the road.
All five starters for the Celtics scored in double digits, and all 12 players to step on the hardwood scored at least two points for Boston. Kemba Walker led the way with 22 points and seven assists, while Jaylen Brown chipped in with 20 points and seven rebounds. Jayson Tatum had 19 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals. Gordon Hayward scored 14 points in his return, while Daniel Theis chipped in with 10 points.
Tristan Thompson was Cleveland’s most productive player in this game, as he ended with 17 points and 11 rebounds in 36 minutes of action. Kevin Love only had seven points (3-12 from the field) but he contributed 10 rebounds. Collin Sexton (eight points) and Darius Garland (nine points) struggled. Jordan Clarkson had 19 points off the bench.
The Celtics (17-5) ended their three-game home stand on a strong note, as they didn't have major problems to secure a double-digit win over a lowly Cavaliers (5-18) team. Boston quickly jumped to a 29-18 lead in the first quarter, and they would never looked back since Brad Stevens' men won every single quarter separatedly. Boston extended their lead following a 24-22 score in the second quarter, and things didn't change in the second half. The Celtics won the third quarter 30-26, and they would end the game with a 27-22 fourth-quarter score. The Cavaliers didn't have a single shot at turning things around, and Boston cruised their way to a solid win. With the win, Boston moved to 10-0 at home while the Cavaliers fell to 2-9 on the road.
All five starters for the Celtics scored in double digits, and all 12 players to step on the hardwood scored at least two points for Boston. Kemba Walker led the way with 22 points and seven assists, while Jaylen Brown chipped in with 20 points and seven rebounds. Jayson Tatum had 19 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals. Gordon Hayward scored 14 points in his return, while Daniel Theis chipped in with 10 points.
Tristan Thompson was Cleveland’s most productive player in this game, as he ended with 17 points and 11 rebounds in 36 minutes of action. Kevin Love only had seven points (3-12 from the field) but he contributed 10 rebounds. Collin Sexton (eight points) and Darius Garland (nine points) struggled. Jordan Clarkson had 19 points off the bench.
Pistons Sneak Past Pelicans, 105-103
The Detroit Pistons defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 105-103, at Smoothie King Center on Monday night.
The Pelicans (6-18) began the game in firm control, building a 53-47 halftime lead with the help of some efficient shooting. However, the Pistons (10-14) came out of intermission a highly focused team, outscoring New Orleans during the third period by a 34-21 margin to take a seven-point advantage into the final 12 minutes. The home squad would battle back, however, and a rollercoaster final six minutes of the game culminated in Derrick Rose's game-winning jumper at the buzzer.
Rose led the Pistons with 21 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds and one block. Langston Galloway provided 16 points, two rebounds and one assist. Luke Kennard furnished 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block. Andre Drummond generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 31 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jrue Holiday delivered 20 points, six boards, five assists and two steals. Jaxson Hayes totaled 13 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Josh Hart supplied 12 points, six boards and five assists.
The Pistons return home to face the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, while the Pelicans pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday evening.
The Pelicans (6-18) began the game in firm control, building a 53-47 halftime lead with the help of some efficient shooting. However, the Pistons (10-14) came out of intermission a highly focused team, outscoring New Orleans during the third period by a 34-21 margin to take a seven-point advantage into the final 12 minutes. The home squad would battle back, however, and a rollercoaster final six minutes of the game culminated in Derrick Rose's game-winning jumper at the buzzer.
Rose led the Pistons with 21 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds and one block. Langston Galloway provided 16 points, two rebounds and one assist. Luke Kennard furnished 14 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block. Andre Drummond generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 31 points, complementing them with six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jrue Holiday delivered 20 points, six boards, five assists and two steals. Jaxson Hayes totaled 13 points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Josh Hart supplied 12 points, six boards and five assists.
The Pistons return home to face the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, while the Pelicans pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday evening.
Raptors Defeat Bulls, 93-92
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 93-92, at United Center on Monday.
All four quarters were decided by two points or fewer, as that exemplifies just how close this game was. In fact, there were 11 ties and 14 lead changes in total, with neither team leading by more than eight points. The Bulls had a chance to win the game on the final shot but Zach LaVine missed a contested lay-up. Rebounding was key for Toronto, winning that battle, 54-45. They also recorded nine blocks to the Bulls four.
The Raptors (16-7) were led by Pascal Siakam, who tallied 22 points, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Norman Powell started and amassed 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kyle Lowry accrued 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Marc Gasol finished with nine points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and four blocks. Serge Ibaka led the bench with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
The Bulls (8-17) were led by Zach LaVine, who generated 20 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Wendell Carter totaled 14 points, six rebounds and three assists before fouling out. Lauri Markkanen accumulated 13 points and eight rebounds. Tomas Satoransky collected 10 points, three rebounds, 11 assists and two steals.
Both of these teams return to action on Wednesday, with Chicago playing host to the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto returning home to play the Los Angeles Clippers.
All four quarters were decided by two points or fewer, as that exemplifies just how close this game was. In fact, there were 11 ties and 14 lead changes in total, with neither team leading by more than eight points. The Bulls had a chance to win the game on the final shot but Zach LaVine missed a contested lay-up. Rebounding was key for Toronto, winning that battle, 54-45. They also recorded nine blocks to the Bulls four.
The Raptors (16-7) were led by Pascal Siakam, who tallied 22 points, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Norman Powell started and amassed 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kyle Lowry accrued 11 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Marc Gasol finished with nine points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and four blocks. Serge Ibaka led the bench with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
The Bulls (8-17) were led by Zach LaVine, who generated 20 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Wendell Carter totaled 14 points, six rebounds and three assists before fouling out. Lauri Markkanen accumulated 13 points and eight rebounds. Tomas Satoransky collected 10 points, three rebounds, 11 assists and two steals.
Both of these teams return to action on Wednesday, with Chicago playing host to the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto returning home to play the Los Angeles Clippers.
Bjelica Stuns Rockets With Game-Winner
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Houston Rockets, 119-118, at Toyota Center on Monday evening.
The Kings stunned the Rockets as Nemanja Bjelica hit a deep three-pointer at the buzzer to lift his team to the one-point road win. This marks the scenes straight win for the Kings, as they move to 5-9 on the road. The loss marks the end of three-game home winning streak for Houston, as the Rockets fall to 9-3 at home. The Kings got out to a good start on the road, as they led by four points after one quarter. The Rockets rallied ahead with a strong second but the Kings battled back to take a one-point lead into the fourth. They battled almost to a standstill through the fourth, until Bjelica came through with the heroic game-winner.
Bjelica finished with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 30 minutes. Buddy Hield led the Kings with 26 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Harrison Barnes added 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Kings shot 46 percent from the field, including 20-of-45 from long range.
Meanwhile, the Rockets shot 49 percent from the field, including 17-of-50 from long range. Russell Westbrook led the Rockets with 34 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 36 minutes. James Harden finished with 27 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, two steals and a block, while Clint Capela added 13 points and 17 rebounds.
The Rockets (15-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday. The Kings (10-13) play host to the Thunder on Wednesday.
The Kings stunned the Rockets as Nemanja Bjelica hit a deep three-pointer at the buzzer to lift his team to the one-point road win. This marks the scenes straight win for the Kings, as they move to 5-9 on the road. The loss marks the end of three-game home winning streak for Houston, as the Rockets fall to 9-3 at home. The Kings got out to a good start on the road, as they led by four points after one quarter. The Rockets rallied ahead with a strong second but the Kings battled back to take a one-point lead into the fourth. They battled almost to a standstill through the fourth, until Bjelica came through with the heroic game-winner.
Bjelica finished with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 30 minutes. Buddy Hield led the Kings with 26 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Harrison Barnes added 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Kings shot 46 percent from the field, including 20-of-45 from long range.
Meanwhile, the Rockets shot 49 percent from the field, including 17-of-50 from long range. Russell Westbrook led the Rockets with 34 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 36 minutes. James Harden finished with 27 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, two steals and a block, while Clint Capela added 13 points and 17 rebounds.
The Rockets (15-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Wednesday. The Kings (10-13) play host to the Thunder on Wednesday.
Bucks Push Win Streak To 15 Games
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 110-101, at Fiserv Forum on Monday evening.
The Bucks got out to a great start at home with a 31-20 lead after one quarter. They stayed in control, with a double-digit lead through most of the second quarter, before taking a 12-point lead into halftime. The Magic came out strong in the second half and slowly chipped away to make it a seven-point game heading into the final frame. The Bucks made no mistake in the fourth, as they outscored the visitors by two points in the quarter to secure their 15th consecutive win and move to 11-1 at home. This also marks the end of a four-game winning streak for the Magic.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 32 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Donte DiVincenzo chipped in 12 points, in 20 minutes off the bench. The Bucks shot 47 percent from the field, including 16-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Evan Fournier led the Magic with 26 points, four rebounds and two assists, in 32 minutes. Terrence Ross added 23 points, in 30 minutes off the bench, while Aaron Gordon added 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Magic shot 38 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from long range.
The Magic (11-12) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Wednesday. The Bucks (21-3) play how to the Pelicans on Wednesday.
The Bucks got out to a great start at home with a 31-20 lead after one quarter. They stayed in control, with a double-digit lead through most of the second quarter, before taking a 12-point lead into halftime. The Magic came out strong in the second half and slowly chipped away to make it a seven-point game heading into the final frame. The Bucks made no mistake in the fourth, as they outscored the visitors by two points in the quarter to secure their 15th consecutive win and move to 11-1 at home. This also marks the end of a four-game winning streak for the Magic.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 32 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Khris Middleton followed up with 20 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Donte DiVincenzo chipped in 12 points, in 20 minutes off the bench. The Bucks shot 47 percent from the field, including 16-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Evan Fournier led the Magic with 26 points, four rebounds and two assists, in 32 minutes. Terrence Ross added 23 points, in 30 minutes off the bench, while Aaron Gordon added 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Magic shot 38 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from long range.
The Magic (11-12) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Wednesday. The Bucks (21-3) play how to the Pelicans on Wednesday.
Suns Outpace Timberwolves, 125-109
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 125-109, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Monday night.
The battle of two of the fastest-paced teams in the league fittingly featured a combined 125 points in the first half, with the Timberwolves (10-13) owning a 64-61 lead over the Suns (11-12) at intermission. However, Phoenix would change the tenor of the game in the third quarter by outscoring Minnesota, 33-21, and their continued offensive barrage over the final 12 minutes helped ensure victory.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with a 33-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Andrew Wiggins provided 23 points, four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Jeff Teague led the bench with 16 points. Josh Okogie posted eight points, two rebounds and two steals.
Devin Booker paced the Suns with 26 points, supplementing them with seven assists, four rebounds and one block. Kelly Oubre, Jr. followed with 24 points, four rebounds and one block. Dario Saric supplied 20 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Ricky Rubio generated a 16-point, 14-assist double-double that also included four rebounds. Aron Baynes and Cameron Johnson contributed 12- and 10-point tallies while pulling down four and five rebounds, respectively.
The Timberwolves head back home to face the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, while the Suns remain home and take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night as well.
The battle of two of the fastest-paced teams in the league fittingly featured a combined 125 points in the first half, with the Timberwolves (10-13) owning a 64-61 lead over the Suns (11-12) at intermission. However, Phoenix would change the tenor of the game in the third quarter by outscoring Minnesota, 33-21, and their continued offensive barrage over the final 12 minutes helped ensure victory.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with a 33-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Andrew Wiggins provided 23 points, four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Jeff Teague led the bench with 16 points. Josh Okogie posted eight points, two rebounds and two steals.
Devin Booker paced the Suns with 26 points, supplementing them with seven assists, four rebounds and one block. Kelly Oubre, Jr. followed with 24 points, four rebounds and one block. Dario Saric supplied 20 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal. Ricky Rubio generated a 16-point, 14-assist double-double that also included four rebounds. Aron Baynes and Cameron Johnson contributed 12- and 10-point tallies while pulling down four and five rebounds, respectively.
The Timberwolves head back home to face the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, while the Suns remain home and take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night as well.
Thunder Defeat Jazz, 104-90
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Utah Jazz, 104-90, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Monday.
It's rare to see Utah dominated at home but that was just the case here. In fact, Oklahoma City won each of the first three quarters, riding a 34-21 third quarter to their blowout win. In fact, Utah never got the game within a single-digit margin from there. The key for the Thunder was their defense, holding Utah to 40 percent from the field and 26 percent from three-point range. The seven blocks recorded by Oklahoma City were big too, with Utah failing to record a single one.
The Thunder (11-12) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who tallied 20 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Chris Paul accumulated 16 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Steven Adams amassed 11 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Dennis Schroder led the bench with 27 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Jazz (12-11) were led by Donovan Mitchell, who generated 26 points, six rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gobert collected 19 points and 17 rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic totaled 13 points and five boards while Joe Ingles provided nine points, four rebounds, eight assists and three steals. No other player had more than seven points, three rebounds or three assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Utah traveling to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City playing the Sacramento Kings on the road too.
It's rare to see Utah dominated at home but that was just the case here. In fact, Oklahoma City won each of the first three quarters, riding a 34-21 third quarter to their blowout win. In fact, Utah never got the game within a single-digit margin from there. The key for the Thunder was their defense, holding Utah to 40 percent from the field and 26 percent from three-point range. The seven blocks recorded by Oklahoma City were big too, with Utah failing to record a single one.
The Thunder (11-12) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who tallied 20 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Chris Paul accumulated 16 points, four rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Steven Adams amassed 11 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Dennis Schroder led the bench with 27 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Jazz (12-11) were led by Donovan Mitchell, who generated 26 points, six rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gobert collected 19 points and 17 rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic totaled 13 points and five boards while Joe Ingles provided nine points, four rebounds, eight assists and three steals. No other player had more than seven points, three rebounds or three assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Utah traveling to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City playing the Sacramento Kings on the road too.
Grizzlies Defeat Warriors, 110-102
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 110-102, at Chase Center on Monday,
While Memphis didn't win this game in wire-to-wire fashion, they did hold the lead for the final 40-plus minutes. In fact, they rode a 29-20 first quarter to that big lead, leading by 15 points at times in the fourth quarter. Memphis ended up shooting 50 percent from the field while holding Golden State to 38 percent shooting. In addition, the Grizzlies out-assisted the Warriors, 29-23, while winning the defensive rebounding battle, 41-36.
The Grizzlies (7-18) were led by Ja Morant, who tallied 26 points, two rebounds and seven assists in his return from a back issue. Dillon Brooks amassed 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 16 points, three rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Jonas Valanciunas accrued 13 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
The Warriors (5-20) were led by D'Angelo Russell, who collected 18 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Willie Cauley-Stein totaled 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Draymond Green accumulated 16 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals while Alec Burks led the bench with 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Golden State playing host to the New York Knicks and Memphis facing the Pheonix Suns on the road for their next fixture.
While Memphis didn't win this game in wire-to-wire fashion, they did hold the lead for the final 40-plus minutes. In fact, they rode a 29-20 first quarter to that big lead, leading by 15 points at times in the fourth quarter. Memphis ended up shooting 50 percent from the field while holding Golden State to 38 percent shooting. In addition, the Grizzlies out-assisted the Warriors, 29-23, while winning the defensive rebounding battle, 41-36.
The Grizzlies (7-18) were led by Ja Morant, who tallied 26 points, two rebounds and seven assists in his return from a back issue. Dillon Brooks amassed 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 16 points, three rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Jonas Valanciunas accrued 13 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
The Warriors (5-20) were led by D'Angelo Russell, who collected 18 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Willie Cauley-Stein totaled 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Draymond Green accumulated 16 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals while Alec Burks led the bench with 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Golden State playing host to the New York Knicks and Memphis facing the Pheonix Suns on the road for their next fixture.