Wizards Topple Hawks, 111-101
The Washington Wizards defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 111-101, at Capital One Arena on Friday night.
The Wizards (13-25) were once again down team centerpiece Bradley Beal (lower leg) in addition to their multiple front-court absences, but that didn't stop them from jumping out to a 30-21 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Hawks (8-31) showed plenty of fight, rebounding from that early deficit to outscore Washington by a 58-51 margin during the middle quarters and therefore enter the fourth quarter behind by only two points. Atlanta then opened the period on a 10-2 run to take an 89-83 lead, but the home squad then closed the game out on a torrid 28-12 run to clinch the home victory.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 19 points, adding seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Kyle Huerter delivered 16 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block. John Collins generated a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included one assist and four blocks. Brian Goodwin poured in 14 points, while De'Andre Hunter delivered 13 points and five boards. Alex Len mustered 10 points, 14 rebounds and one block off the bench.
Jordan McRae led the Wizards with 29 points and also provided eight rebounds, six assists and one steal. Troy Brown, Jr. offered 18 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and two steals. Davis Bertans managed 14 points, seven boards and one assist. Ian Mahinmi supplied 12 points, eight rebounds, one assist and two steals. Gary Payton II went for 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ish Smith registered 10 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two steals.
The Hawks next pay a visit to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday evening, while the Wizards tangle with the Utah Jazz at home on Sunday afternoon.
The Wizards (13-25) were once again down team centerpiece Bradley Beal (lower leg) in addition to their multiple front-court absences, but that didn't stop them from jumping out to a 30-21 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Hawks (8-31) showed plenty of fight, rebounding from that early deficit to outscore Washington by a 58-51 margin during the middle quarters and therefore enter the fourth quarter behind by only two points. Atlanta then opened the period on a 10-2 run to take an 89-83 lead, but the home squad then closed the game out on a torrid 28-12 run to clinch the home victory.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with 19 points, adding seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Kyle Huerter delivered 16 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block. John Collins generated a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included one assist and four blocks. Brian Goodwin poured in 14 points, while De'Andre Hunter delivered 13 points and five boards. Alex Len mustered 10 points, 14 rebounds and one block off the bench.
Jordan McRae led the Wizards with 29 points and also provided eight rebounds, six assists and one steal. Troy Brown, Jr. offered 18 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and two steals. Davis Bertans managed 14 points, seven boards and one assist. Ian Mahinmi supplied 12 points, eight rebounds, one assist and two steals. Gary Payton II went for 11 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ish Smith registered 10 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two steals.
The Hawks next pay a visit to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday evening, while the Wizards tangle with the Utah Jazz at home on Sunday afternoon.
Pelicans Outlast Knicks, 123-111
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the New York Knicks, 123-111, at Madison Square Garden on Friday night.
The Pelicans (14-25) went into the game missing Jrue Holiday (elbow) for a third straight contest, but they still managed to rack up 67 first-half points thanks to some efficient performances from various members of the starting five. However, their defensive work wasn't quite up to par, which allowed the Knicks (10-29) to stay in close proximity by pouring in 62 points of their own in the first pair of quarters. The back-and-forth quality of the game continued after intermission, but New Orleans was able to stay a step ahead of New York to notch the 12-point victory.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 28 points, adding nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Jaxson Hayes generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Lonzo Ball posted 15 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Josh Hart delivered 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. J.J. Redick furnished 12 points, two rebounds and two assists. E'Twaun Moore collected 11 points, four assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
Taj Gibson paced the Knicks with 19 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and one block. R.J. Barrett supplied 16 points, nine boards, two assists and two steals. Elfrid Payton and Reggie Bullock posted matching 15-point tallies, with Payton also dishing out seven assists, six rebounds and five steals. Bobby Portis furnished 13 points, five rebounds and four assists. Mitchell Robinson turned in 12 points, four boards, one assist and one steal.
The Pelicans next visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Knicks remain home to face the Miami Heat on Sunday afternoon.
The Pelicans (14-25) went into the game missing Jrue Holiday (elbow) for a third straight contest, but they still managed to rack up 67 first-half points thanks to some efficient performances from various members of the starting five. However, their defensive work wasn't quite up to par, which allowed the Knicks (10-29) to stay in close proximity by pouring in 62 points of their own in the first pair of quarters. The back-and-forth quality of the game continued after intermission, but New Orleans was able to stay a step ahead of New York to notch the 12-point victory.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 28 points, adding nine assists, six rebounds and one steal. Jaxson Hayes generated an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Lonzo Ball posted 15 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Josh Hart delivered 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. J.J. Redick furnished 12 points, two rebounds and two assists. E'Twaun Moore collected 11 points, four assists, two rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
Taj Gibson paced the Knicks with 19 points, complementing them with eight rebounds and one block. R.J. Barrett supplied 16 points, nine boards, two assists and two steals. Elfrid Payton and Reggie Bullock posted matching 15-point tallies, with Payton also dishing out seven assists, six rebounds and five steals. Bobby Portis furnished 13 points, five rebounds and four assists. Mitchell Robinson turned in 12 points, four boards, one assist and one steal.
The Pelicans next visit the Boston Celtics on Saturday night, while the Knicks remain home to face the Miami Heat on Sunday afternoon.
Nets Snap Seven-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting Miami Heat 117-113, at Barclays Center on Friday evening.
The Heat got out to a great start on the road, with a 42-32 lead after one quarter. They held their lead through the second quarter and pushed their lead to 12 by halftime. The Nets came out strong in the third and chipped away through the quarter, until they tied it up at 89, heading into the fourth. The Heat pulled ahead early in the quarter and led by nine, with 4:30 to go in the contest. However, the Nets outscored the Heat 17-4 the rest of the way to secure the comeback win at home and snap an ugly, seven-game slide.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 26 points, 14 assists, four rebounds, two steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Rodions Kurucs added 19 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Taurean Prince chipped in 17 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Nets shot 48 percent from the field, including 15-of-44 form deep.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 33 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Bam Adebayo finished with 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two steals and a block, while Goran Dragic chipped in 7 points, five assists and two rebounds, in 29 minutes off the bench. The Heat shot 52 percent from the field, including 7-of-29 from long range.
The Heat (27-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Knicks in New York on Sunday. The Nets (17-20) play host to the Hawks on Sunday.
The Heat got out to a great start on the road, with a 42-32 lead after one quarter. They held their lead through the second quarter and pushed their lead to 12 by halftime. The Nets came out strong in the third and chipped away through the quarter, until they tied it up at 89, heading into the fourth. The Heat pulled ahead early in the quarter and led by nine, with 4:30 to go in the contest. However, the Nets outscored the Heat 17-4 the rest of the way to secure the comeback win at home and snap an ugly, seven-game slide.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 26 points, 14 assists, four rebounds, two steals and a block, in 35 minutes. Rodions Kurucs added 19 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Taurean Prince chipped in 17 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. The Nets shot 48 percent from the field, including 15-of-44 form deep.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 33 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Bam Adebayo finished with 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds, two steals and a block, while Goran Dragic chipped in 7 points, five assists and two rebounds, in 29 minutes off the bench. The Heat shot 52 percent from the field, including 7-of-29 from long range.
The Heat (27-11) will look to bounce back as they take on the Knicks in New York on Sunday. The Nets (17-20) play host to the Hawks on Sunday.
Pacers Hand Bulls Sixth Straight Loss
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 116-105, at United Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, but the Pacers held the edge late in the first quarter and took a two-point lead into the second. They carried the momentum into the second, where they pushed their lead to 14, before taking an eight-point lead into halftime. The Pacers stayed in control through the third, but the Bulls made a run towards the end of the quarter to cut it to a seven-point lead heading into the final frame. The Pacers pushed their lead back to double digits early in the fourth and took a 16-point lead halfway through the quarter. They held on the rest of the way to earn the second win in their last three games, while this marks the sixth straight loss for the Bulls.
With Domantas Sabonis (knee) out, Myles Turner led the way for the Pacers with 27 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, in 33 minutes. Aaron Holiday added 19 points, eight assists and three rebounds, while T.J. Warren chipped in 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Pacers shot 57 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 43 points on 14-of-23 shooting, in 38 minutes. Coby White added 23 points, five rebounds, an assist and a steal, while Lauri Markkanen tallied 11 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Bulls shot 46 percent from the field, including 18-of-42 from deep.
The Bulls (13-26) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Saturday. The Pacers (24-15) play host to the 76ers on Monday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, but the Pacers held the edge late in the first quarter and took a two-point lead into the second. They carried the momentum into the second, where they pushed their lead to 14, before taking an eight-point lead into halftime. The Pacers stayed in control through the third, but the Bulls made a run towards the end of the quarter to cut it to a seven-point lead heading into the final frame. The Pacers pushed their lead back to double digits early in the fourth and took a 16-point lead halfway through the quarter. They held on the rest of the way to earn the second win in their last three games, while this marks the sixth straight loss for the Bulls.
With Domantas Sabonis (knee) out, Myles Turner led the way for the Pacers with 27 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, in 33 minutes. Aaron Holiday added 19 points, eight assists and three rebounds, while T.J. Warren chipped in 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Pacers shot 57 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 43 points on 14-of-23 shooting, in 38 minutes. Coby White added 23 points, five rebounds, an assist and a steal, while Lauri Markkanen tallied 11 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Bulls shot 46 percent from the field, including 18-of-42 from deep.
The Bulls (13-26) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Saturday. The Pacers (24-15) play host to the 76ers on Monday.
Grizzlies Outpace Spurs, 134-121
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 134-121, at FedEx Forum on Friday night.
The Grizzlies (17-22) had their shot working in the first half, as they totaled 63 points over the first two quarters and owned a six-point lead at halftime. The Spurs (16-21) then enjoyed their best quarter coming out of intermission, when they erased four points from their deficit on their way to 41 points. However, Memphis laid the groundwork for victory with an 8-0 run to open the final period,
DeMar DeRozan paced the Spurs with 36 points, adding nine rebounds, nine assists and one steal. LaMarcus Aldridge and Bryn Forbes generated matching 21-point tallies, with Aldridge adding nine boards. Rudy Gay provided 13 points, five boards, two assists and one block.
Jaren Jackson, Jr. led the Grizzlies with 24 points and also compiled three rebounds. Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks contributed matching 22-point tallies, with Morant also dishing out 14 assists and pulling down seven rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas tallied 21 points and nine boards. De'Anthony Melton delivered 13 points, six assists and four rebounds. Brandon Clarke managed 10 points, nine boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Spurs pay a visit to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening, while the Grizzlies are home against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday evening as well.
The Grizzlies (17-22) had their shot working in the first half, as they totaled 63 points over the first two quarters and owned a six-point lead at halftime. The Spurs (16-21) then enjoyed their best quarter coming out of intermission, when they erased four points from their deficit on their way to 41 points. However, Memphis laid the groundwork for victory with an 8-0 run to open the final period,
DeMar DeRozan paced the Spurs with 36 points, adding nine rebounds, nine assists and one steal. LaMarcus Aldridge and Bryn Forbes generated matching 21-point tallies, with Aldridge adding nine boards. Rudy Gay provided 13 points, five boards, two assists and one block.
Jaren Jackson, Jr. led the Grizzlies with 24 points and also compiled three rebounds. Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks contributed matching 22-point tallies, with Morant also dishing out 14 assists and pulling down seven rebounds. Jonas Valanciunas tallied 21 points and nine boards. De'Anthony Melton delivered 13 points, six assists and four rebounds. Brandon Clarke managed 10 points, nine boards, four assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Spurs pay a visit to the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening, while the Grizzlies are home against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday evening as well.
Booker Lifts Suns Late In The Fourth
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 98-94, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the Suns taking a two-point lead after one quarter. The Suns picked up some momentum in the second, as they increased their lead early and held the edge for the rest of the quarter, to take a 10-point lead into halftime. The Magic turned it around in the second half, as they chipped away at the deficit through the quarter and brought it a two-point game, entering the final frame. They continued their push in the fourth and grabbed a four-point lead early in the quarter. After a couple of lead changes, the score was tied at 90, with two minutes left. The Magic pulled ahead by four, but Devin Booker answer with two consecutive threes, to grab a two-point lead. Despite two missed free throws down the stretch, the Suns held on to improve to 8-14 at home.
Booker led the Suns with 24 points, five assists, three rebounds and three steals, in 37 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 22 points, nine rebounds and a block, while Ricky Rubio tallied 11 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, three steals and a block. The Suns shot 42 percent from the field, including 9-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Evan Fournier led the Magic with 28 points on 9-of-21 shooting, in 37 minutes. Nikola Vucevic tallied 18 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Terrence Ross added 18 points, two rebounds and three steals. The Magic shot 37 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from long range.
The Magic (18-21) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Monday. The Suns (15-23) play host to the Hornets on Sunday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the Suns taking a two-point lead after one quarter. The Suns picked up some momentum in the second, as they increased their lead early and held the edge for the rest of the quarter, to take a 10-point lead into halftime. The Magic turned it around in the second half, as they chipped away at the deficit through the quarter and brought it a two-point game, entering the final frame. They continued their push in the fourth and grabbed a four-point lead early in the quarter. After a couple of lead changes, the score was tied at 90, with two minutes left. The Magic pulled ahead by four, but Devin Booker answer with two consecutive threes, to grab a two-point lead. Despite two missed free throws down the stretch, the Suns held on to improve to 8-14 at home.
Booker led the Suns with 24 points, five assists, three rebounds and three steals, in 37 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 22 points, nine rebounds and a block, while Ricky Rubio tallied 11 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, three steals and a block. The Suns shot 42 percent from the field, including 9-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Evan Fournier led the Magic with 28 points on 9-of-21 shooting, in 37 minutes. Nikola Vucevic tallied 18 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Terrence Ross added 18 points, two rebounds and three steals. The Magic shot 37 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from long range.
The Magic (18-21) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Monday. The Suns (15-23) play host to the Hornets on Sunday.
Jazz Defeat Hornets, 109-92
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 109-92, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday.
Utah got out to a 29-13 lead after the first quarter, holding a double-digit lead for the final three quarters. In fact, they led by at least 17 points for the entirety of the second half. Utah ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding Charlotte to 47 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. In addition, the Jazz out-rebounded the Hornets, 40-37, while out-assisting them, 28-19. They did that while winning the turnover battle, 20-15.
The Hornets (15-26) were led by Terry Rozier, who tallied 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Miles Bridges amassed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Bismack Biyombo totaled eight points, nine rebounds and two assists. Wily Hernangomez led the bench with 15 points and six boards.
The Jazz (26-12) rested their starters in the fourth quarter, with Bojan Bogdanovic leading them with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gobert collected 15 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and five blocks. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds and two assists. All of those players shot above 50 percent from the field.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Utah traveling across the country to face the Washington Wizards and Charlotte remaining on the road to play the Phoenix Suns.
Utah got out to a 29-13 lead after the first quarter, holding a double-digit lead for the final three quarters. In fact, they led by at least 17 points for the entirety of the second half. Utah ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding Charlotte to 47 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. In addition, the Jazz out-rebounded the Hornets, 40-37, while out-assisting them, 28-19. They did that while winning the turnover battle, 20-15.
The Hornets (15-26) were led by Terry Rozier, who tallied 23 points, five rebounds and four assists. Miles Bridges amassed 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Bismack Biyombo totaled eight points, nine rebounds and two assists. Wily Hernangomez led the bench with 15 points and six boards.
The Jazz (26-12) rested their starters in the fourth quarter, with Bojan Bogdanovic leading them with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gobert collected 15 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and five blocks. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds and two assists. All of those players shot above 50 percent from the field.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Utah traveling across the country to face the Washington Wizards and Charlotte remaining on the road to play the Phoenix Suns.
Lakers Defeat Mavericks, 129-114
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 129-114, at American Airlines Center on Friday.
A 45-27 first quarter really set the tone for the Lakers in this game, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, Los Angeles led by at least 10 points for those final three quarters, getting up to 22 points at times. The Lakers shot 53 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 41 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. In addition, Los Angeles won the defensive rebounding battle, 37-30 and the fastbreak scoring, 26-13.
The Lakers (31-7) were led by LeBron James, who tallied 35 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists. Kyle Kuzma got a rare start and amassed 26 points, six rebounds and two assists. Dwight Howard led the bench with 10 points and six rebounds while Rajon Rondo collected 10 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Mavericks (23-15) were led by Luka Doncic, who tallied 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Tim Hardaway Jr totaled 22 points and seven boards. Dorian Finney-Smith generated 13 points and six rebounds while Seth Curry led the bench with 16 points and two assists. Boban Marjanovic also had 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench as well.
Both teams have to play again on Saturday, with Los Angeles remaining on the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas playing host to the Philadelphia 76ers.
A 45-27 first quarter really set the tone for the Lakers in this game, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, Los Angeles led by at least 10 points for those final three quarters, getting up to 22 points at times. The Lakers shot 53 percent from the field and 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 41 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. In addition, Los Angeles won the defensive rebounding battle, 37-30 and the fastbreak scoring, 26-13.
The Lakers (31-7) were led by LeBron James, who tallied 35 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists. Kyle Kuzma got a rare start and amassed 26 points, six rebounds and two assists. Dwight Howard led the bench with 10 points and six rebounds while Rajon Rondo collected 10 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Mavericks (23-15) were led by Luka Doncic, who tallied 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. Tim Hardaway Jr totaled 22 points and seven boards. Dorian Finney-Smith generated 13 points and six rebounds while Seth Curry led the bench with 16 points and two assists. Boban Marjanovic also had 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench as well.
Both teams have to play again on Saturday, with Los Angeles remaining on the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas playing host to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Bucks Defeat Kings, 127-106
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 127-106, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
Milwaukee got out to a 34-18 lead after the first quarter and remained in control from there. In fact, they outscored the Kings by at least six points in the first, third and fourth quarters. Getting to the free-throw line was key, with Milwaukee hitting 23-of-30 and Sacramento connecting on just 8-of-10. In addition, the Bucks recorded 11 steals while winning the turnover battle, 16-11.
The Bucks (34-6) were led by Khris Middleton and his 27 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Giannis Antetokounmpo amassed 13 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Eric Bledsoe generated 24 points, four rebounds and five assists. Donte DiVincenzo led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds and three steals while Sterling Brown provided a double-double.
The Kings (15-24) had all five starters reach double figures in scoring, with Harrison Barnes leading the way with 19 points and three assists. De'Aaron Fox matched those 19 points, adding nine rebounds, 10 assists and four steals to his tally. Buddy Hield accrued 16 points, five rebounds and four assists while Nemanja Bjelica totaled 12 points, 13 rebounds and four assists.
Milwaukee has to play again on Saturday, staying on the road to face the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Sacramento, they're off until Monday when they play host to the Orlando Magic.
Milwaukee got out to a 34-18 lead after the first quarter and remained in control from there. In fact, they outscored the Kings by at least six points in the first, third and fourth quarters. Getting to the free-throw line was key, with Milwaukee hitting 23-of-30 and Sacramento connecting on just 8-of-10. In addition, the Bucks recorded 11 steals while winning the turnover battle, 16-11.
The Bucks (34-6) were led by Khris Middleton and his 27 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Giannis Antetokounmpo amassed 13 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Eric Bledsoe generated 24 points, four rebounds and five assists. Donte DiVincenzo led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds and three steals while Sterling Brown provided a double-double.
The Kings (15-24) had all five starters reach double figures in scoring, with Harrison Barnes leading the way with 19 points and three assists. De'Aaron Fox matched those 19 points, adding nine rebounds, 10 assists and four steals to his tally. Buddy Hield accrued 16 points, five rebounds and four assists while Nemanja Bjelica totaled 12 points, 13 rebounds and four assists.
Milwaukee has to play again on Saturday, staying on the road to face the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Sacramento, they're off until Monday when they play host to the Orlando Magic.
Clippers Defeat Warriors, 109-100
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 109-100, at Staples Center on Friday.
While Golden State led by double-digits heading into the final quarter, Los Angeles was able to prevail. In fact, they rode a 36-17 fourth quarter to their monster comeback, despite neither club leading by more than 10 points at any time in this game. In addition, there were 10 ties and four lead changes in total. The Clippers ended up shooting 49 percent from the field while holding the Warriors to 39 percent from the field and 21 percent from three-point range. Los Angeles also won the defensive rebounding battle, 45-33, while recording seven blocks to the Warriors one.
The Warriors (9-31) were led by Glenn Robinson III, who tallied 17 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. Omari Spellman matched those 17 points, adding five rebounds, three assists and three steals to his tally. Damion Lee accrued 10 points, six rebounds and five assists while Alec Burks led the bench with 16 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Clippers (27-12) were led by Kawhi Leonard, who collected 36 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals. Patrick Beverley accumulated 12 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and three blocks. Lou Williams led the bench with 21 points, two rebounds and eight assists while Montrezl Harrell recorded a double-double.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Golden State traveling to face the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles playing the Denver Nuggets on the road as well.
While Golden State led by double-digits heading into the final quarter, Los Angeles was able to prevail. In fact, they rode a 36-17 fourth quarter to their monster comeback, despite neither club leading by more than 10 points at any time in this game. In addition, there were 10 ties and four lead changes in total. The Clippers ended up shooting 49 percent from the field while holding the Warriors to 39 percent from the field and 21 percent from three-point range. Los Angeles also won the defensive rebounding battle, 45-33, while recording seven blocks to the Warriors one.
The Warriors (9-31) were led by Glenn Robinson III, who tallied 17 points, three rebounds, four assists and two steals. Omari Spellman matched those 17 points, adding five rebounds, three assists and three steals to his tally. Damion Lee accrued 10 points, six rebounds and five assists while Alec Burks led the bench with 16 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
The Clippers (27-12) were led by Kawhi Leonard, who collected 36 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals. Patrick Beverley accumulated 12 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and three blocks. Lou Williams led the bench with 21 points, two rebounds and eight assists while Montrezl Harrell recorded a double-double.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Golden State traveling to face the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles playing the Denver Nuggets on the road as well.