Knicks Pull Upset, Defeat Heat At Madison Square Garden
The New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat, 124-121, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday afternoon.
The Heat (27-12) seemed to have the game sealed against the struggling Knicks (11-29) at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, but the Knicks came from behind and used a sizzling run during the fourth quarter to steal an unlikely win against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Miami jumped to a 31-27 lead following the first quarter, and they would extend their advantage during both the second (29-28) and third (34-29) quarters -- as a result, the Heat entered the final 12 minutes of action with a huge 10-point lead. The Knicks, however, came out of nowhere and scored 40 points in the final 12 minutes of action. That impressive scoring barrage allowed them to flip the score, and New York edged their rivals by a slim three-point margin. It was a huge win for the Knicks, as they improved their record to 7-9 over their last 16 games while moving to 6-13 at home. On the other hand, the Heat fell to 10-11 on the road.
Julius Randle was the best player for the Knicks in this game, as he ended with 26 points, eight rebounds and four assists. R.J. Barrett had another strong scoring output, and the rookie chipped in with 23 points while shooting 7-10 from the field. Reggie Bullock had 16 points, Taj Gibson contributed 14 and Elfrid Payton had 10 points with five assists. Kevin Knox II added 17 points coming off the bench.
Jimmy Butler was the best player for the Heat and he ended with 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Kendrick Nunn had 20 points, while Bam Adebayo once again filled the stat sheet and contributed 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. Duncan Robinson had 11 points, but he went 3-10 from deep. James Johnson (19 points) and Tyler Herro (15 points) delivered strong efforts off the bench as well.
The Heat (27-12) seemed to have the game sealed against the struggling Knicks (11-29) at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, but the Knicks came from behind and used a sizzling run during the fourth quarter to steal an unlikely win against one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Miami jumped to a 31-27 lead following the first quarter, and they would extend their advantage during both the second (29-28) and third (34-29) quarters -- as a result, the Heat entered the final 12 minutes of action with a huge 10-point lead. The Knicks, however, came out of nowhere and scored 40 points in the final 12 minutes of action. That impressive scoring barrage allowed them to flip the score, and New York edged their rivals by a slim three-point margin. It was a huge win for the Knicks, as they improved their record to 7-9 over their last 16 games while moving to 6-13 at home. On the other hand, the Heat fell to 10-11 on the road.
Julius Randle was the best player for the Knicks in this game, as he ended with 26 points, eight rebounds and four assists. R.J. Barrett had another strong scoring output, and the rookie chipped in with 23 points while shooting 7-10 from the field. Reggie Bullock had 16 points, Taj Gibson contributed 14 and Elfrid Payton had 10 points with five assists. Kevin Knox II added 17 points coming off the bench.
Jimmy Butler was the best player for the Heat and he ended with 25 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Kendrick Nunn had 20 points, while Bam Adebayo once again filled the stat sheet and contributed 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. Duncan Robinson had 11 points, but he went 3-10 from deep. James Johnson (19 points) and Tyler Herro (15 points) delivered strong efforts off the bench as well.
Jazz Extend Hot Streak, Secure Win Over Wizards
The Utah Jazz defeated the Washington Wizards, 127-116, at Capital One Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The Jazz (27-12) were massive favorites on paper ahead of this Sunday matchup against the Wizards (13-26) but they had to shake off the rust to secure the win over the Capitol-based franchise. Washington jumped to a 34-23 lead following the first quarter, and they managed to remain on top at halftime since the second quarter ended with a 32-32 tie. Utah, however, would recover the advantage in the third quarter thanks to a 38-25 score and they would never relinquish that advantage again. The Jazz closed things out with a 34-25 score in the final quarter, as they ended winning by 11 points but the development of the game was tighter than what the score indicates. With the win, Utah moved to 12-9 on the road while the Wizards fell to 8-11 at home.
The Jazz didn't Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley for this game, but Bogdan Bogdanovic stepped up and he led the Jazz with a 31-point performance. Rudy Gobert had 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Joe Ingles came close to finish with a double-double following a 20-point, nine-assist outing. Emmanuel Mudiay grabbed a spot start and contributed 14 points, five rebounds and five dimes. Jordan Clarkson chipped in with 23 points off the bench.
As it has been the trend all season long, Bradley Beal led the way for the Wizards since he ended with 25 points and four assists. Ian Mahimni had 15 points and six rebounds, but he also added seven assists and two steals. Davis Bertans chipped in with 18 points off the bench, while Jordan McRae added 16 points in 25 minutes as a substitute.
The Jazz (27-12) were massive favorites on paper ahead of this Sunday matchup against the Wizards (13-26) but they had to shake off the rust to secure the win over the Capitol-based franchise. Washington jumped to a 34-23 lead following the first quarter, and they managed to remain on top at halftime since the second quarter ended with a 32-32 tie. Utah, however, would recover the advantage in the third quarter thanks to a 38-25 score and they would never relinquish that advantage again. The Jazz closed things out with a 34-25 score in the final quarter, as they ended winning by 11 points but the development of the game was tighter than what the score indicates. With the win, Utah moved to 12-9 on the road while the Wizards fell to 8-11 at home.
The Jazz didn't Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley for this game, but Bogdan Bogdanovic stepped up and he led the Jazz with a 31-point performance. Rudy Gobert had 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Joe Ingles came close to finish with a double-double following a 20-point, nine-assist outing. Emmanuel Mudiay grabbed a spot start and contributed 14 points, five rebounds and five dimes. Jordan Clarkson chipped in with 23 points off the bench.
As it has been the trend all season long, Bradley Beal led the way for the Wizards since he ended with 25 points and four assists. Ian Mahimni had 15 points and six rebounds, but he also added seven assists and two steals. Davis Bertans chipped in with 18 points off the bench, while Jordan McRae added 16 points in 25 minutes as a substitute.
Nets Defeat Hawks, 108-86
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 108-86, at Barclay's Center on Sunday.
A 37-16 first quarter really set the tone for the Nets in this game, holding a double-digit lead for the final three quarters. In fact, they held a 20-point lead for the whole of the second half. Brooklyn ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding Atlanta to 33 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range. They did that while out-rebounding the Hawks, 62-33, and losing the turnover battle, 24-12.
The Hawks (8-32) had to play this game without Trae Young, as Cam Reddish led the way with 20 points, two assists and five steals. John Collins amassed eight points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Kevin Huerter accrued eight points, five rebounds and five assists while DeAndre' Bembry led the bench with 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals.
The Nets (18-20) got Kyrie Irving back from a shoulder issue, finishing with 21 points, four rebounds and three assists on 10-of-11 shooting. Taurean Prince totaled 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. Spender Dinwiddie accumulated seven points, four rebounds and eight assists while Jarrett Allen provided 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Brooklyn remaining home to face the scorching-hot Utah Jazz and Atlanta returning home to play the Phoenix Suns.
A 37-16 first quarter really set the tone for the Nets in this game, holding a double-digit lead for the final three quarters. In fact, they held a 20-point lead for the whole of the second half. Brooklyn ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding Atlanta to 33 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range. They did that while out-rebounding the Hawks, 62-33, and losing the turnover battle, 24-12.
The Hawks (8-32) had to play this game without Trae Young, as Cam Reddish led the way with 20 points, two assists and five steals. John Collins amassed eight points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Kevin Huerter accrued eight points, five rebounds and five assists while DeAndre' Bembry led the bench with 12 points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals.
The Nets (18-20) got Kyrie Irving back from a shoulder issue, finishing with 21 points, four rebounds and three assists on 10-of-11 shooting. Taurean Prince totaled 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. Spender Dinwiddie accumulated seven points, four rebounds and eight assists while Jarrett Allen provided 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Brooklyn remaining home to face the scorching-hot Utah Jazz and Atlanta returning home to play the Phoenix Suns.
DeRozan Leads Spurs Past Raptors
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 105-104, at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday evening.
The Raptors got out to a good start at home, with a 28-21 lead after one quarter. The Raptors pushed their lead to double digits mid way through the second and held an eight-point lead at halftime. The Raptors carried the momentum in the third quarter and pushed their lead as high as 18, before the Spurs cut it down to 13, by the end of the quarter. The Spurs overtook the momentum in the fourth and led by DeMar DeRozan, they outscored the Raptors by 36-22 in the quarter to earn the impressive road win.
DeRozan led the Spurs with 25 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Rudy Gay added 15 points, three assists and two rebounds, while Derrick White totalled 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and three blocks. The Spurs shot 44 percent from the field, including 7-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Serge Ibaka led the Raptors with 21 points, 14 rebounds and a block, in 32 minutes. Kyle Lowry added 16 points, 15 assists, three rebounds and two steals, while Norman Powell added 20 points in his first game back from injury. The Raptors shot 41 percent from the field, including 17-of-48 from long range.
The Raptors (25-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Wednesday. The Spurs (17-21) take on the Heat in Miami on Wednesday.
The Raptors got out to a good start at home, with a 28-21 lead after one quarter. The Raptors pushed their lead to double digits mid way through the second and held an eight-point lead at halftime. The Raptors carried the momentum in the third quarter and pushed their lead as high as 18, before the Spurs cut it down to 13, by the end of the quarter. The Spurs overtook the momentum in the fourth and led by DeMar DeRozan, they outscored the Raptors by 36-22 in the quarter to earn the impressive road win.
DeRozan led the Spurs with 25 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Rudy Gay added 15 points, three assists and two rebounds, while Derrick White totalled 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and three blocks. The Spurs shot 44 percent from the field, including 7-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Serge Ibaka led the Raptors with 21 points, 14 rebounds and a block, in 32 minutes. Kyle Lowry added 16 points, 15 assists, three rebounds and two steals, while Norman Powell added 20 points in his first game back from injury. The Raptors shot 41 percent from the field, including 17-of-48 from long range.
The Raptors (25-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Wednesday. The Spurs (17-21) take on the Heat in Miami on Wednesday.
Grizzlies Throttle Warriors, 122-102
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Golden State Warriors, 122-102, at FedEx Forum on Sunday evening.
The Warriors (9-32) got a big talent boost Sunday with the return of D'Angelo Russell from a serious shoulder bruise, and accordingly, they were highly competitive in a first half that culminated with them trailing by a single point. However, the entire dynamic of the game shifted in the third quarter, when the Grizzlies (18-22) outscored Golden State by a 35-17 margin. That 19-point cushion would prove to be more than enough for a home victory that saw Memphis limit the visitors to 38.0 percent shooting and win the battle of the boards, 60-47.
Russell paced the Warriors with 34 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists. Alec Burks and Jordan Poole posted 13 points apiece while pulling down six and three rebounds, respectively. Omari Spellman produced 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Glenn Robinson III supplied eight points, seven rebounds and two steals.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Grizzlies with a 31-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Jaren Jackson, Jr. registered 21 points, five boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Ja Morant followed with an 11-point, 10-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds and one steal. Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen went for 11 points each while dishing out four assists and pulling down four rebounds, respectively. De'Anthony Melton pitched in 10 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
The Warriors head back home to take on the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, while the Grizzlies remain home and tangle with the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night as well.
The Warriors (9-32) got a big talent boost Sunday with the return of D'Angelo Russell from a serious shoulder bruise, and accordingly, they were highly competitive in a first half that culminated with them trailing by a single point. However, the entire dynamic of the game shifted in the third quarter, when the Grizzlies (18-22) outscored Golden State by a 35-17 margin. That 19-point cushion would prove to be more than enough for a home victory that saw Memphis limit the visitors to 38.0 percent shooting and win the battle of the boards, 60-47.
Russell paced the Warriors with 34 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists. Alec Burks and Jordan Poole posted 13 points apiece while pulling down six and three rebounds, respectively. Omari Spellman produced 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Glenn Robinson III supplied eight points, seven rebounds and two steals.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Grizzlies with a 31-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included one assist, two blocks and one steal. Jaren Jackson, Jr. registered 21 points, five boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Ja Morant followed with an 11-point, 10-assist double-double that also included seven rebounds and one steal. Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen went for 11 points each while dishing out four assists and pulling down four rebounds, respectively. De'Anthony Melton pitched in 10 points, five assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
The Warriors head back home to take on the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, while the Grizzlies remain home and tangle with the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night as well.
Nuggets Beat Short-Handed Clippers, 114-104
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 114-104, at Pepsi Center on Sunday night.
The Clippers (27-13) came in once again missing Paul George (hamstring), but they took the fight to the Nuggets (27-12) early and forged a 30-29 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, Denver managed to change the dynamic of the game in the second quarter, erasing their slim deficit and building a 14-point edge going into halftime. That would prove to be enough for the home win, one that saw them shoot an impressive 44.0 percent from three-point range while limiting Los Angeles to a 24.2 percent success rate from distance.
Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Clippers with 30 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Lou Williams followed with 26 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Montrezl Harrell finished with 25 points, eight boards, two blocks and one steal. Patrick Beverley tallied nine points, seven assists, six rebounds and one steal.
Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 20-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included six assists and one steal. Jamal Murray tallied 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Gary Harris poured in 15 points and complemented them with three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Michael Porter, Jr. compiled 13 points, four boards, one steal and one block. Monte Morris delivered 12 points and six assists, while Jerami Grant and Torrey Craig generated matching 11-point tallies.
The Clippers head back home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, while the Nuggets remain home to tangle with the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
The Clippers (27-13) came in once again missing Paul George (hamstring), but they took the fight to the Nuggets (27-12) early and forged a 30-29 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, Denver managed to change the dynamic of the game in the second quarter, erasing their slim deficit and building a 14-point edge going into halftime. That would prove to be enough for the home win, one that saw them shoot an impressive 44.0 percent from three-point range while limiting Los Angeles to a 24.2 percent success rate from distance.
Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Clippers with 30 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Lou Williams followed with 26 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Montrezl Harrell finished with 25 points, eight boards, two blocks and one steal. Patrick Beverley tallied nine points, seven assists, six rebounds and one steal.
Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 20-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included six assists and one steal. Jamal Murray tallied 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Gary Harris poured in 15 points and complemented them with three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Michael Porter, Jr. compiled 13 points, four boards, one steal and one block. Monte Morris delivered 12 points and six assists, while Jerami Grant and Torrey Craig generated matching 11-point tallies.
The Clippers head back home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night, while the Nuggets remain home to tangle with the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
Suns Defeat Hornets, 100-92
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 100-92, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Sunday.
While there were only four ties and five lead changes in this game, it stayed close to the final whistle. In fact, the Suns never led by more than eight points, despite holding the lead for the majority of the second half. Much of that was due to Phoenix outscoring Charlotte in the second quarter, 28-21, and in the fourth quarter, 29-21. The Suns ended up shooting 50 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding the Hornets to 42 percent from the field and 23 percent from three-point range. In addition, Phoenix out-rebounded Charlotte, 51-37.
The Hornets (15-27) were led by Dwayne Bacon, who provided 24 points, five rebounds and two assists off the bench. Devonte' Graham led the starters with 22 points, eight assists and three steals. Miles Bridges amassed 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Cody Zeller totaled 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists off the bench as well.
The Suns (16-23) were led by Kelly Oubre Jr and his 25 points, 15 rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Devin Booker went just 3-of-12 from the field and committed seven turnovers but still collected 12 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Ricky Rubio accumulated 10 points, four rebounds and nine assists while Deandre Ayton led the bench with 18 points and nine boards.
Charlotte has to play again on Monday, staying on the road to face the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Phoenix, they travel to face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday for their next outing.
While there were only four ties and five lead changes in this game, it stayed close to the final whistle. In fact, the Suns never led by more than eight points, despite holding the lead for the majority of the second half. Much of that was due to Phoenix outscoring Charlotte in the second quarter, 28-21, and in the fourth quarter, 29-21. The Suns ended up shooting 50 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding the Hornets to 42 percent from the field and 23 percent from three-point range. In addition, Phoenix out-rebounded Charlotte, 51-37.
The Hornets (15-27) were led by Dwayne Bacon, who provided 24 points, five rebounds and two assists off the bench. Devonte' Graham led the starters with 22 points, eight assists and three steals. Miles Bridges amassed 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Cody Zeller totaled 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists off the bench as well.
The Suns (16-23) were led by Kelly Oubre Jr and his 25 points, 15 rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Devin Booker went just 3-of-12 from the field and committed seven turnovers but still collected 12 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Ricky Rubio accumulated 10 points, four rebounds and nine assists while Deandre Ayton led the bench with 18 points and nine boards.
Charlotte has to play again on Monday, staying on the road to face the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Phoenix, they travel to face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday for their next outing.