Rockets Close Out Seventh Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the host Cleveland Cavaliers, 116-110, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.
The Rockets got out to a goo d start on the road, as they took the lead early and carried a 35-29 lead into the second quarter. The Cavs came out strong in the second and quickly cut it to a two-point game, but the Rockets managed to keep the edge and took a 64-57 lead by halftime. The Cavs were solid again in the third and outscored the Rockets by one in the quarter, to cut it to a six-point game entering the final frame. The Cavs started the fourth on fire, with a 17-0 run to take a nine-point lead halfway through the quarter. However, the Rockets would not go away, as they rallied back to take a two-point lead with two minutes left. The Rockets executed in the clutch and held on for their seventh home win, while this marks the eighth straight loss for Cleveland.
James Harden led the Rockets with 55 points on 20-of-34 shooting, in 41 minutes. Russell Westbrook followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals, while Clint Capela added 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Rockets shot 49 percent from the field, including 17-of-42 from long range.
Meanwhile, six players scored in double digits for the Cavs, led by Kevin Porter Jr., who totalled 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Collin Sexton followed up with 18 points and three assists, while Jordan Clarkson and Kevin Love added 17 points each. The Cavs shot 52 percent from the field, including 13-of-32 from deep.
The Cavaliers (5-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday. The Rockets (16-8) take on the Magic in Orlando on Friday.
The Rockets got out to a goo d start on the road, as they took the lead early and carried a 35-29 lead into the second quarter. The Cavs came out strong in the second and quickly cut it to a two-point game, but the Rockets managed to keep the edge and took a 64-57 lead by halftime. The Cavs were solid again in the third and outscored the Rockets by one in the quarter, to cut it to a six-point game entering the final frame. The Cavs started the fourth on fire, with a 17-0 run to take a nine-point lead halfway through the quarter. However, the Rockets would not go away, as they rallied back to take a two-point lead with two minutes left. The Rockets executed in the clutch and held on for their seventh home win, while this marks the eighth straight loss for Cleveland.
James Harden led the Rockets with 55 points on 20-of-34 shooting, in 41 minutes. Russell Westbrook followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists and four steals, while Clint Capela added 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Rockets shot 49 percent from the field, including 17-of-42 from long range.
Meanwhile, six players scored in double digits for the Cavs, led by Kevin Porter Jr., who totalled 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Collin Sexton followed up with 18 points and three assists, while Jordan Clarkson and Kevin Love added 17 points each. The Cavs shot 52 percent from the field, including 13-of-32 from deep.
The Cavaliers (5-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday. The Rockets (16-8) take on the Magic in Orlando on Friday.
Pacers Rally To Down Celtics
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 122-117, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.
The Celtics got out to a good start on the road, as they led for most of the first and held a 32-30 lead by the end of the quarter. The Pacers rallied and took the edge halfway though the second and pushed their lead to double digits, before the Celtics cut it back to a four-point game by halftime. The Celtics came out on fire in the third and outscored the hosts by 14 points in the quarter, to take a 10-point lead into the final frame. The Pacers had the answer in the fourth, as they poured in 38 points in the quarter. The game was tied at 109 with two minutes left, but the Pacers continued their push right to the finish, as they outscored the visitors 13-8 in the final minutes, to secure their 10th home win.
Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 29 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 29 minutes. Domantas Sabonis finished with 15 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists, while Aaron Holiday added 18 points, in 26 minutes off the bench. The Pacers shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-26 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kemba Walker led the Celtics with 44 points on 16-of-28 shooting, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 35 minutes. Jaylen Brown followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while Jayson Tatum added 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Celtics shot, 49 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from deep.
The Celtics (17-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Thursday. The Pacers (16-9) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Friday.
The Celtics got out to a good start on the road, as they led for most of the first and held a 32-30 lead by the end of the quarter. The Pacers rallied and took the edge halfway though the second and pushed their lead to double digits, before the Celtics cut it back to a four-point game by halftime. The Celtics came out on fire in the third and outscored the hosts by 14 points in the quarter, to take a 10-point lead into the final frame. The Pacers had the answer in the fourth, as they poured in 38 points in the quarter. The game was tied at 109 with two minutes left, but the Pacers continued their push right to the finish, as they outscored the visitors 13-8 in the final minutes, to secure their 10th home win.
Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 29 points, eight assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 29 minutes. Domantas Sabonis finished with 15 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists, while Aaron Holiday added 18 points, in 26 minutes off the bench. The Pacers shot 48 percent from the field, including 10-of-26 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kemba Walker led the Celtics with 44 points on 16-of-28 shooting, seven assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 35 minutes. Jaylen Brown followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while Jayson Tatum added 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Celtics shot, 49 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from deep.
The Celtics (17-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the 76ers on Thursday. The Pacers (16-9) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Friday.
Lakers Hold On, Secure Win Over Magic
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic, 96-87, at Amway Center on Wednesday evening.
The Lakers (22-3) remain the best team in The Association this season and they were massive favorites ahead of this game, something they managed to back up against a struggling Magic (11-13) team that recently ended a four-game winning streak. The Lakers quickly jumped to a 26-9 lead in the first quarter and with such a big differential, they would never look back. Even though the Magic won both the second (29-25) and third (27-18) quarters, they were never in danger to even threaten Los Angeles’ lead. The Lakers were up by four points entering the final 12 minutes of action, but they didn’t have issues to close things out with a 27-22 win in the final quarter. With the win, the Lakers moved to 12-1 on the road while the Magic fell to 8-5 at home.
LeBron James was the best player for the Lakers in this contest, as he notched another triple-double thanks to 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Anthony Davis struggled badly from the field (6-20 FG), but he still posted a double-double thanks to 16 points and 12 rebounds, as well as six assists, two steals and two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in with 15 points and three steals. All five bench players scored in double digits, but neither reached the 10-point plateau.
Jonathan Isaac was Orlando’s best player in this game, as he ended with 19 points and eight boards. Aaron Gordon posted a double-double since he finished with 14 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Evan Fournier chipped in with 18 points and five assists in 34 minutes. Mo Bamba had a strong effort coming off the bench, as he delivered 13 points and four boards in 19 minutes.
The Lakers (22-3) remain the best team in The Association this season and they were massive favorites ahead of this game, something they managed to back up against a struggling Magic (11-13) team that recently ended a four-game winning streak. The Lakers quickly jumped to a 26-9 lead in the first quarter and with such a big differential, they would never look back. Even though the Magic won both the second (29-25) and third (27-18) quarters, they were never in danger to even threaten Los Angeles’ lead. The Lakers were up by four points entering the final 12 minutes of action, but they didn’t have issues to close things out with a 27-22 win in the final quarter. With the win, the Lakers moved to 12-1 on the road while the Magic fell to 8-5 at home.
LeBron James was the best player for the Lakers in this contest, as he notched another triple-double thanks to 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Anthony Davis struggled badly from the field (6-20 FG), but he still posted a double-double thanks to 16 points and 12 rebounds, as well as six assists, two steals and two blocks. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in with 15 points and three steals. All five bench players scored in double digits, but neither reached the 10-point plateau.
Jonathan Isaac was Orlando’s best player in this game, as he ended with 19 points and eight boards. Aaron Gordon posted a double-double since he finished with 14 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. Evan Fournier chipped in with 18 points and five assists in 34 minutes. Mo Bamba had a strong effort coming off the bench, as he delivered 13 points and four boards in 19 minutes.
Clippers Dominate, Beat Raptors Easily
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Toronto Raptors, 112-92, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Clippers (19-7) and the Raptors (16-8) played a game where the biggest news was the return of Kawhi Leonard to Toronto for the first time since delivering a title to the Canadian franchise last season. Toronto jumped ahead following a 32-27 lead in the first quarter, but they weren’t able to maintain the pace and the Clippers punished them in the second quarter with a 37-14 score. The Clippers didn’t look back, and Toronto was not able to turn things around. Even though the remaining two quarters were quite close (25-24 for Toronto and 24-21 for the Clippers, respectively) the game was out of reach by half time and Toronto didn’t have problems to win here with ease.
Seven Clippers scored in double digits here, but the main star was Kawhi Leonard who ended with 23 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Moe Harkless had 14 points, and Paul George filled the stat sheet since he had 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Lou Williams looked dominant off the bench since he ended with 18 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
Pascal Siakam was the best player for the Raptors since he had 24 points, four rebounds and three assists. Norman Powell had a strong performance at home since he ended with 22 points while shooting 7-11 from the field. Terence Davis had 10 points coming off the bench. No other Toronto player scored in double digits in this contest. Kyle Lowry struggled and only managed to score six points.
The Clippers (19-7) and the Raptors (16-8) played a game where the biggest news was the return of Kawhi Leonard to Toronto for the first time since delivering a title to the Canadian franchise last season. Toronto jumped ahead following a 32-27 lead in the first quarter, but they weren’t able to maintain the pace and the Clippers punished them in the second quarter with a 37-14 score. The Clippers didn’t look back, and Toronto was not able to turn things around. Even though the remaining two quarters were quite close (25-24 for Toronto and 24-21 for the Clippers, respectively) the game was out of reach by half time and Toronto didn’t have problems to win here with ease.
Seven Clippers scored in double digits here, but the main star was Kawhi Leonard who ended with 23 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals. Moe Harkless had 14 points, and Paul George filled the stat sheet since he had 13 points, five rebounds and three assists. Lou Williams looked dominant off the bench since he ended with 18 points, eight assists and six rebounds.
Pascal Siakam was the best player for the Raptors since he had 24 points, four rebounds and three assists. Norman Powell had a strong performance at home since he ended with 22 points while shooting 7-11 from the field. Terence Davis had 10 points coming off the bench. No other Toronto player scored in double digits in this contest. Kyle Lowry struggled and only managed to score six points.
Hornets Rally To Stun Nets
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Brooklyn Nets, 113-108, at Barclays Center on Wednesday evening.
The Nets got out to a goo start at home as they rallied ahead to end the first quarter with an eight-point lead. They carried the momentum and pushed their lead to 20, mid way through the second, but the Hornets were able to cut it to an 11-point game by halftime. The Hornets came out strong in the third and outscored the Nets by nine in the quarter, to make it a two-point game heading into the fourth. The Nets held the edge to start the quarter, but the Hornets kept pressing and took the lead half way though the quarter. The Nets tied it at 106, with 1:10 to go, but the Hornets were clutch down the stretch and held on for their second straight win.
Devonte' Graham led the Hornets with 40 points, five rebounds and five assists, in 37 minutes. Miles Bridges added 14 points, four rebounds two assists, a steal and a block, while P.J. Washington and Terry Rozier added 13 points each. The Hornets shot 49 percent from the field, including 15-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 24 points, six assists, five rebounds and a steal, in 33 minutes. Jarrett Allen added 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block, while Garrett Temple chipped in 11 points and four assists. The Nets shot 43 percent from the field, including 10-of-38 from deep.
The Nets (13-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Saturday. The Hornets (11-16) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Friday.
The Nets got out to a goo start at home as they rallied ahead to end the first quarter with an eight-point lead. They carried the momentum and pushed their lead to 20, mid way through the second, but the Hornets were able to cut it to an 11-point game by halftime. The Hornets came out strong in the third and outscored the Nets by nine in the quarter, to make it a two-point game heading into the fourth. The Nets held the edge to start the quarter, but the Hornets kept pressing and took the lead half way though the quarter. The Nets tied it at 106, with 1:10 to go, but the Hornets were clutch down the stretch and held on for their second straight win.
Devonte' Graham led the Hornets with 40 points, five rebounds and five assists, in 37 minutes. Miles Bridges added 14 points, four rebounds two assists, a steal and a block, while P.J. Washington and Terry Rozier added 13 points each. The Hornets shot 49 percent from the field, including 15-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 24 points, six assists, five rebounds and a steal, in 33 minutes. Jarrett Allen added 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a block, while Garrett Temple chipped in 11 points and four assists. The Nets shot 43 percent from the field, including 10-of-38 from deep.
The Nets (13-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Saturday. The Hornets (11-16) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Friday.
Bulls Roll Hawks, 136-102
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 136-102, at United Center on Wednesday.
While there were three ties and three lead changes in the first quarter, that was the only time it stayed close. In fact, Chicago took a 14-point lead at the half thanks to a 29-19 second quarter and really blew it out with a 70-50 second half. The Bulls ended up shooting 58 percent from the field, 46 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line while holding Atlanta to 42 percent from the field, 34 percent from long range and 73 percent from the charity stripe. In addition. Chicago recorded 15 steals and seven blocks while winning the turnover battle, 23-15.
The Hawks (6-19) were led by Trae Young, who tallied 15 points, two rebounds, 13 assists and two steals. With that said, he went just 4-of-14 from the field and committed seven turnovers. Alex Len led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists. Jabari Parker amassed 11 points and seven boards while Cam Reddish totaled 16 points and five boards.
The Bulls (9-17) were led by Zach LaVine, who collected 35 points, two rebounds and four assists on 12-of-15 from the field. Lauri Markkanen accrued 22 points, four rebounds and two assists. Wendell Carter finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds while Coby White led the bench with 19 points, two rebounds and four assists. Thaddeus Young generated 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals off the bench as well.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Chicago playing host to the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta returning home to face the Indiana Pacers.
While there were three ties and three lead changes in the first quarter, that was the only time it stayed close. In fact, Chicago took a 14-point lead at the half thanks to a 29-19 second quarter and really blew it out with a 70-50 second half. The Bulls ended up shooting 58 percent from the field, 46 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line while holding Atlanta to 42 percent from the field, 34 percent from long range and 73 percent from the charity stripe. In addition. Chicago recorded 15 steals and seven blocks while winning the turnover battle, 23-15.
The Hawks (6-19) were led by Trae Young, who tallied 15 points, two rebounds, 13 assists and two steals. With that said, he went just 4-of-14 from the field and committed seven turnovers. Alex Len led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and three assists. Jabari Parker amassed 11 points and seven boards while Cam Reddish totaled 16 points and five boards.
The Bulls (9-17) were led by Zach LaVine, who collected 35 points, two rebounds and four assists on 12-of-15 from the field. Lauri Markkanen accrued 22 points, four rebounds and two assists. Wendell Carter finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds while Coby White led the bench with 19 points, two rebounds and four assists. Thaddeus Young generated 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals off the bench as well.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Chicago playing host to the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta returning home to face the Indiana Pacers.
Jazz Defeat T'Wolves. 127-116
The Utah Jazz defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 127-116, at Target Center on Wednesday.
While Utah didn't win this game in wire-to-wire fashion, they led for all but a single minute. In fact, A 38-24 third quarter allowed them to hold a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Jazz ended up shooting 57 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Timberwolves to 44 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. In addition, Utah out-assisted Minnesota, 23-18, while out-blocking them, 7-3.
The Jazz (14-11) were led by Donovan Mitchell, who tallied 30 points, five rebounds and six assists on 13-of-20 from the field. Joe Ingles accumulated 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert amassed 20 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks while Bojan Bogdanovic generated 14 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Timberwolves (10-14) were led by Jeff Teague, who provided 32 points, four rebounds and six assists off the bench on 11-of-16 from the field. Andrew Wiggins totaled 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals to lead the starters. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Minnesota remaining home to face the Los Angeles Clippers and Utah returning home to play the Golden State Warriors.
While Utah didn't win this game in wire-to-wire fashion, they led for all but a single minute. In fact, A 38-24 third quarter allowed them to hold a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Jazz ended up shooting 57 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Timberwolves to 44 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. In addition, Utah out-assisted Minnesota, 23-18, while out-blocking them, 7-3.
The Jazz (14-11) were led by Donovan Mitchell, who tallied 30 points, five rebounds and six assists on 13-of-20 from the field. Joe Ingles accumulated 23 points, five rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert amassed 20 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks while Bojan Bogdanovic generated 14 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Timberwolves (10-14) were led by Jeff Teague, who provided 32 points, four rebounds and six assists off the bench on 11-of-16 from the field. Andrew Wiggins totaled 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals to lead the starters. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Minnesota remaining home to face the Los Angeles Clippers and Utah returning home to play the Golden State Warriors.
Grizzlies Defeat Suns, 115-108
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 115-108, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Wednesday.
There were 10 ties and 11 lead changes in this tightly-contested battle, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. With that said, Memphis held the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, outscoring Phoenix in the second half, 64-57. The Grizzlies also out-rebounded the Suns, 54-43. while recording three more steals. Memphis shot 49 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding Phoenix to 40 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range.
The Grizzlies (8-16) were led by Dillon Brooks, who amassed 27 points, three rebounds and two steals. Ja Morant generated 13 points, four rebounds and six assists. Jaren Jackson Jr tallied 24 points, eight rebounds and four assists while Jae Crowder accumulated 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Brandon Clarke led the bench with 15 points and seven boards.
The Suns (11-13) were led by Frank Kaminsky, who accrued 24 points, five rebounds and three assists. Ricky Rubio provided 22 points and eight assists. Devin Booker went just 6-of-17 from the field but finished with 15 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Kelly Oubre Jr totaled 14 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks.
On deck for Memphis is a home matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. As for Phoenix, they stay home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday for their next fixture.
There were 10 ties and 11 lead changes in this tightly-contested battle, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. With that said, Memphis held the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, outscoring Phoenix in the second half, 64-57. The Grizzlies also out-rebounded the Suns, 54-43. while recording three more steals. Memphis shot 49 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding Phoenix to 40 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range.
The Grizzlies (8-16) were led by Dillon Brooks, who amassed 27 points, three rebounds and two steals. Ja Morant generated 13 points, four rebounds and six assists. Jaren Jackson Jr tallied 24 points, eight rebounds and four assists while Jae Crowder accumulated 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Brandon Clarke led the bench with 15 points and seven boards.
The Suns (11-13) were led by Frank Kaminsky, who accrued 24 points, five rebounds and three assists. Ricky Rubio provided 22 points and eight assists. Devin Booker went just 6-of-17 from the field but finished with 15 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Kelly Oubre Jr totaled 14 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks.
On deck for Memphis is a home matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. As for Phoenix, they stay home to face the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday for their next fixture.
Bucks Throttle Pelicans, 127-112
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 127-112, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night.
Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo being unavailable due to a load management day, the Bucks (22-3) impressively never missed a beat while taking a 35-20 lead through the first 12 minutes. That edge had climbed to 23 points by halftime, and although the Pelicans (6-19) played more competitively in the second half while putting up 66 points overall, Milwaukee was able to secure a comfortable home win.
J.J. Redick led the Pelicans with 31 points, adding two assists and one rebound. Brandon Ingram generated a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist. Jrue Holiday supplied 21 points, six assists, six rebounds and two blocks. Jaxson Hayes provided 12 points, five boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks off the bench.
Eric Bledsoe paced the Bucks with 29 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Khris Middleton registered 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Ersan Ilyasova totaled 18 points, nine boards, three assists and one steal. George Hill compiled 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, while the Bucks tangle with the Memphis Grizzlies on the road Friday night as well.
Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo being unavailable due to a load management day, the Bucks (22-3) impressively never missed a beat while taking a 35-20 lead through the first 12 minutes. That edge had climbed to 23 points by halftime, and although the Pelicans (6-19) played more competitively in the second half while putting up 66 points overall, Milwaukee was able to secure a comfortable home win.
J.J. Redick led the Pelicans with 31 points, adding two assists and one rebound. Brandon Ingram generated a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist. Jrue Holiday supplied 21 points, six assists, six rebounds and two blocks. Jaxson Hayes provided 12 points, five boards, one assist, two steals and two blocks off the bench.
Eric Bledsoe paced the Bucks with 29 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Khris Middleton registered 24 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Ersan Ilyasova totaled 18 points, nine boards, three assists and one steal. George Hill compiled 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night, while the Bucks tangle with the Memphis Grizzlies on the road Friday night as well.
Kings Edge Thunder, 94-93
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 94-93, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday night.
The back-and-forth battle fittingly started in see-saw fashion, with the Thunder (11-13) entering halftime with a 47-38 lead. However, the Kings (11-13) clawed back, shaving seven points from their deficit in the third quarter, and they finished the game on a 21-10 run over the final 7:34 to secure the comeback win. Bogdan Bogdanovic's 27-foot three-pointer with 17.3 seconds remaining ultimately proved to be the winning bucket, as Chris Paul's step-back jumper with 1.6 seconds left failed to find the net.
Dennis Schroder led the Thunder with 17 points, adding two rebounds, two steals and one block. Abdel Nader furnished 15 points, four boards and one steal. Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander generated matching 14-point tallies, with Gallinari adding eight rebounds. Steven Adams posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists and two blocks. Nerlens Noel managed 11 points, four boards, two steals and one block, while Paul tallied eight points while also dishing out 12 assists and recording three blocks.
Buddy Hield paced the Kings with 23 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Bogdanovic finished with 17 points overall. Marvin Bagley III turned in 11 points and six rebounds in his return from a thumb fracture. Richaun Holmes and Nemanja Bjelica delivered 10 points apiece while pulling down seven and five rebounds, respectively.
The Thunder remain on the road and pay a visit to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night, while the Kings remain home and await the New York Knicks for a Friday night matchup.
The back-and-forth battle fittingly started in see-saw fashion, with the Thunder (11-13) entering halftime with a 47-38 lead. However, the Kings (11-13) clawed back, shaving seven points from their deficit in the third quarter, and they finished the game on a 21-10 run over the final 7:34 to secure the comeback win. Bogdan Bogdanovic's 27-foot three-pointer with 17.3 seconds remaining ultimately proved to be the winning bucket, as Chris Paul's step-back jumper with 1.6 seconds left failed to find the net.
Dennis Schroder led the Thunder with 17 points, adding two rebounds, two steals and one block. Abdel Nader furnished 15 points, four boards and one steal. Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander generated matching 14-point tallies, with Gallinari adding eight rebounds. Steven Adams posted a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists and two blocks. Nerlens Noel managed 11 points, four boards, two steals and one block, while Paul tallied eight points while also dishing out 12 assists and recording three blocks.
Buddy Hield paced the Kings with 23 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Bogdanovic finished with 17 points overall. Marvin Bagley III turned in 11 points and six rebounds in his return from a thumb fracture. Richaun Holmes and Nemanja Bjelica delivered 10 points apiece while pulling down seven and five rebounds, respectively.
The Thunder remain on the road and pay a visit to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night, while the Kings remain home and await the New York Knicks for a Friday night matchup.
Knicks Outlast Warriors in OT, 124-122
The New York Knicks defeated the Golden State Warriors in overtime, 124-122, at Chase Center on Wednesday night.
A battle between two of the more defensively challenged squads in the league looked like a mismatch in the first half, with the Knicks (5-20) building a 68-50 halftime lead with the help of some highly efficient shooting. However, the Warriors (5-21) didn't surrender their question for only their second home win of the campaign, knocking 11 points off their deficit in the third quarter and ultimately forcing overtime with a D'Angelo Russell 23.-foot three-pointer with 5.5 seconds remaining. However, New York opened the extra period on a 9-2 run over the first 2:36, which gave them enough cushion for the narrow win.
Marcus Morris led the Knicks with 36 points, adding 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Julius Randle generated a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists. R.J. Barrett furnished 22 points, 10 boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Bobby Portis provided 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Elfrid Payton delivered 14 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Russell paced the Warriors with 32 points and also dished out six assists, posted three rebounds and recorded two steals. Alec Burks totaled 18 points, five boards, two assists and two steals. Glenn Robinson III managed 17 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Draymond Green managed a 14-point, 12-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that also included four steals. Marquese Chriss contributed a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and one steal.
The Knicks remain on their Western Conference swing and tangle with the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Warriors hit the road and face off with the Utah Jazz on Friday night.
A battle between two of the more defensively challenged squads in the league looked like a mismatch in the first half, with the Knicks (5-20) building a 68-50 halftime lead with the help of some highly efficient shooting. However, the Warriors (5-21) didn't surrender their question for only their second home win of the campaign, knocking 11 points off their deficit in the third quarter and ultimately forcing overtime with a D'Angelo Russell 23.-foot three-pointer with 5.5 seconds remaining. However, New York opened the extra period on a 9-2 run over the first 2:36, which gave them enough cushion for the narrow win.
Marcus Morris led the Knicks with 36 points, adding 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals. Julius Randle generated a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists. R.J. Barrett furnished 22 points, 10 boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Bobby Portis provided 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Elfrid Payton delivered 14 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Russell paced the Warriors with 32 points and also dished out six assists, posted three rebounds and recorded two steals. Alec Burks totaled 18 points, five boards, two assists and two steals. Glenn Robinson III managed 17 points, four boards, two assists and one steal. Draymond Green managed a 14-point, 12-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that also included four steals. Marquese Chriss contributed a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and one steal.
The Knicks remain on their Western Conference swing and tangle with the Sacramento Kings on Friday night, while the Warriors hit the road and face off with the Utah Jazz on Friday night.