Pelicans Outlast Pistons After Overtime Period
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Detroit Pistons, 117-110, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday evening.
The Pelicans (15-26) were coming two straight losses and both at home, but they managed to turn things around against the Pistons (14-27) even if they needed five more minutes of play to complete the win. New Orleans jumped to a 32-23 lead following the first quarter, and they extended their lead even further in both the second (31-29) and third quarters (26-25), meaning the Pels were up by 12 points heading into the final 12 minutes of action. However, Detroit came out of nowhere to mount an impressive comeback. The Pistons won the final quarter by a 25-13 score, meaning the game had to be decided on overtime. The Pelicans came through in the clutch, however, and a 15-8 overtime score allowed them to secure the win on the road. With the win, New Orleans moved to 8-14 on the road while Detroit fell to 8-13 at home.
Jahill Okafor was the best player for the Pelicans in this game, as he delivered one of his best performances of the season with 25 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Nicolo Melli started instead of Brandon Ingram, and he finished with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Lonzo Ball finished one assist shy of a triple-double, as he posted 17 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and three steals. E'Twaun Moore had 16 points and seven boards.
Derrick Rose led the way for the Pistons, as he finished with 23 points coming off the bench. Christian Wood chipped in with 18 points and nine boards in 26 minutes off the bench. Sekou Doumbouya chipped in with 16 points and eight boards. Andre Drummond only logged 22 minutes but finished the game with 11 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists.
The Pelicans (15-26) were coming two straight losses and both at home, but they managed to turn things around against the Pistons (14-27) even if they needed five more minutes of play to complete the win. New Orleans jumped to a 32-23 lead following the first quarter, and they extended their lead even further in both the second (31-29) and third quarters (26-25), meaning the Pels were up by 12 points heading into the final 12 minutes of action. However, Detroit came out of nowhere to mount an impressive comeback. The Pistons won the final quarter by a 25-13 score, meaning the game had to be decided on overtime. The Pelicans came through in the clutch, however, and a 15-8 overtime score allowed them to secure the win on the road. With the win, New Orleans moved to 8-14 on the road while Detroit fell to 8-13 at home.
Jahill Okafor was the best player for the Pelicans in this game, as he delivered one of his best performances of the season with 25 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Nicolo Melli started instead of Brandon Ingram, and he finished with 20 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Lonzo Ball finished one assist shy of a triple-double, as he posted 17 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and three steals. E'Twaun Moore had 16 points and seven boards.
Derrick Rose led the way for the Pistons, as he finished with 23 points coming off the bench. Christian Wood chipped in with 18 points and nine boards in 26 minutes off the bench. Sekou Doumbouya chipped in with 16 points and eight boards. Andre Drummond only logged 22 minutes but finished the game with 11 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists.
Pacers Hold On For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 101-95, at Bankers Life Field House on Monday evening.
The 76ers jumped out to an early 8-2 lead but things evened out through the quarter, with the Sixers taking a one-point lead into the second. The Pacers pulled ahead early in the second quarter, but the 76ers gathered some momentum and outscored the hosts by eight points in the quarter, to take a nine-point lead into halftime. The 76ers stayed in front to start third and held a 10-point lead halfway through the quarter, but the Pacers closed the quarter on a 17-7 run to tied it up at 69, heading into the final frame. The game stayed tight through the fourth and was tied at 95, with 1:41 to go. The 76ers struggled to convert down the stretch and even took a five-second inbound violation with 11 seconds left, while the Pacers went clutch from the foul line to secure their second straight win.
Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 21 points each. Myles Turner added 14 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, while Domantas Sabonis tallied 10 points, 16 rebounds and three assists. The Pacers shot 38 percent from the field, including 10-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ben Simmons led the 76ers with 24 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Josh Richardson added 23 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Tobias Harris added 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Sixers shot 42 percent from the field, including 6-of-33 from deep.
The 76ers (25-16) los to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Wednesday. The Pacers (25-15) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Wednesday.
The 76ers jumped out to an early 8-2 lead but things evened out through the quarter, with the Sixers taking a one-point lead into the second. The Pacers pulled ahead early in the second quarter, but the 76ers gathered some momentum and outscored the hosts by eight points in the quarter, to take a nine-point lead into halftime. The 76ers stayed in front to start third and held a 10-point lead halfway through the quarter, but the Pacers closed the quarter on a 17-7 run to tied it up at 69, heading into the final frame. The game stayed tight through the fourth and was tied at 95, with 1:41 to go. The 76ers struggled to convert down the stretch and even took a five-second inbound violation with 11 seconds left, while the Pacers went clutch from the foul line to secure their second straight win.
Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 21 points each. Myles Turner added 14 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, while Domantas Sabonis tallied 10 points, 16 rebounds and three assists. The Pacers shot 38 percent from the field, including 10-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ben Simmons led the 76ers with 24 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 40 minutes. Josh Richardson added 23 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Tobias Harris added 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a steal. The Sixers shot 42 percent from the field, including 6-of-33 from deep.
The 76ers (25-16) los to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Wednesday. The Pacers (25-15) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Wednesday.
Celtics Hold Off Bulls For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 113-101, at TD Garden on Monday evening.
The Celtics got out to a great start at home, with a 28-14 lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead to 18, mid way through the second and held on to an 18-point lead at halftime. The Bulls found life in the second half, as they came out strong and cut it to a six-point game, four minutes into the third quarter. The Celtics steadied themselves and pushed back ahead to take a 12-point advantage into the final frame. The Bulls kept up the fight through the fourth but the Celtics matched them the rest of the way, to hold on for their second straight win.
Six players scored in double digits for the Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum, who finished with 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, in 30 minutes. Jaylen Brown added 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Kemba Walker tallied 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Celtics shot 47 percent from the field, including 9-of-23 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 30 points on 9-of-18 shooting, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Thaddeus Young added 17 points, while Tomas Satoransky chipped in 12 points, seven assists and a steal. The Bulls shot 46 percent from the field, including 6-of-25 from long range.
The Bulls (14-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Wednesday. The Celtics (27-11) play host to the Pistons on Wednesday.
The Celtics got out to a great start at home, with a 28-14 lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead to 18, mid way through the second and held on to an 18-point lead at halftime. The Bulls found life in the second half, as they came out strong and cut it to a six-point game, four minutes into the third quarter. The Celtics steadied themselves and pushed back ahead to take a 12-point advantage into the final frame. The Bulls kept up the fight through the fourth but the Celtics matched them the rest of the way, to hold on for their second straight win.
Six players scored in double digits for the Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum, who finished with 21 points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, in 30 minutes. Jaylen Brown added 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Kemba Walker tallied 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Celtics shot 47 percent from the field, including 9-of-23 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 30 points on 9-of-18 shooting, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Thaddeus Young added 17 points, while Tomas Satoransky chipped in 12 points, seven assists and a steal. The Bulls shot 46 percent from the field, including 6-of-25 from long range.
The Bulls (14-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Wednesday. The Celtics (27-11) play host to the Pistons on Wednesday.
Thunder Defeat T'Wolves, 117-104
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 117-104, at Target Center on Monday.
While there were four ties and 11 lead changes in the first half, Oklahoma City held the lead for the entirety of the second half. In fact, they outscored the Timberwolves, 62-46, in the second and third quarters. That allowed Oklahoma City to lead by at least seven points for the final 20 minutes of action. The Thunder shot 51 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the T'Wolves to 42 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range. In addition, they won the defensive rebounding battle, 44-28.
The Thunder (23-17) got Shai Gilgwous-Alexander to record the first triple-double of his career, collecting 20 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists. Danilo Gallinari amassed 30 points and four rebounds. Steven Adams accumulated 13 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Dennis Schroder led the bench with 14 points and three rebounds.
The Timberwolves (15-24) were led by Naz Reid, who provided 20 points off the bench. Robert Covington led the starters with 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Shabazz Napier generated 16 points, five rebounds and four assists while Jarrett Culver accrued 14 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Minnesota playing host to the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City welcoming the Toronto Raptors to Chesapeake Energy Arena.
While there were four ties and 11 lead changes in the first half, Oklahoma City held the lead for the entirety of the second half. In fact, they outscored the Timberwolves, 62-46, in the second and third quarters. That allowed Oklahoma City to lead by at least seven points for the final 20 minutes of action. The Thunder shot 51 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding the T'Wolves to 42 percent from the field and 34 percent from long range. In addition, they won the defensive rebounding battle, 44-28.
The Thunder (23-17) got Shai Gilgwous-Alexander to record the first triple-double of his career, collecting 20 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists. Danilo Gallinari amassed 30 points and four rebounds. Steven Adams accumulated 13 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Dennis Schroder led the bench with 14 points and three rebounds.
The Timberwolves (15-24) were led by Naz Reid, who provided 20 points off the bench. Robert Covington led the starters with 18 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Shabazz Napier generated 16 points, five rebounds and four assists while Jarrett Culver accrued 14 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Minnesota playing host to the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City welcoming the Toronto Raptors to Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Trail Blazers Edge Hornets, 115-112
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 115-112, at Moda Center on Monday night.
The Trail Blazers (17-24) overcome a 26-25 first-quarter deficit in convincing fashion during the second period, outscoring the Hornets (15-28) by a 43-29 margin to take a 16-point halftime lead. However, Charlotte came back nearly as strong out of intermission, amassing 43 points of their own during a third period in which they erased all but two points from their deficit. That set up a photo finish, with Devonte' Graham pouring in a three-point bucket with 13.3 seconds left to bring the Hornets to within two. However, Graham's next shot, a would-be game-winner at the buzzer, was blocked by Kent Bazemore to secure Portland's victory.
Graham paced the Hornets with a 27-point, 10-assist tally that also included three rebounds and one steal. Terry Rozier contributed 25 points, seven boards and three assists. P.J. Washington generated a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists, two steals and two blocks. Willy Hernangomez managed 14 points, four boards and one block.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 30 points, supplementing them with nine assists and four rebounds. C.J. McCollum registered 27 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block. Carmelo Anthony delivered 17 points, eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. Anthony Tolliver generated a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist. Hassan Whiteside turned in seven points but pulled down 11 rebounds and recorded three blocks.
The Hornets next pay a visit to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, while the Trail Blazers visit the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night as well.
The Trail Blazers (17-24) overcome a 26-25 first-quarter deficit in convincing fashion during the second period, outscoring the Hornets (15-28) by a 43-29 margin to take a 16-point halftime lead. However, Charlotte came back nearly as strong out of intermission, amassing 43 points of their own during a third period in which they erased all but two points from their deficit. That set up a photo finish, with Devonte' Graham pouring in a three-point bucket with 13.3 seconds left to bring the Hornets to within two. However, Graham's next shot, a would-be game-winner at the buzzer, was blocked by Kent Bazemore to secure Portland's victory.
Graham paced the Hornets with a 27-point, 10-assist tally that also included three rebounds and one steal. Terry Rozier contributed 25 points, seven boards and three assists. P.J. Washington generated a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists, two steals and two blocks. Willy Hernangomez managed 14 points, four boards and one block.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 30 points, supplementing them with nine assists and four rebounds. C.J. McCollum registered 27 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block. Carmelo Anthony delivered 17 points, eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. Anthony Tolliver generated a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one assist. Hassan Whiteside turned in seven points but pulled down 11 rebounds and recorded three blocks.
The Hornets next pay a visit to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, while the Trail Blazers visit the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night as well.
Magic Edges Kings, 114-112
The Orlando Magic defeated the Sacramento Kings, 114-112, at Golden 1 Center on Monday night.
The Magic (19-21) appeared to be set for a relatively comfortable road victory in the first half, as they racked up 65 points through the first two quarters. However, the Kings (15-25) managed to erase all but one point from their 13-point halftime deficit during a successful third period, Ultimately, Sacramento took a 113-112 lead with 15.8 seconds remaining, but Aaron Gordon's three-point play with 1.1 seconds left and misses by Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield within the last second, the latter on a tip shot following Barnes' miss, sealed Orlando's victory.
Nikola Vucevic paced the Magic with a 26-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists and three blocks. Evan Fournier totaled 25 points, six assists and one steal. Gordon finished with 19 points, nine boards, two assists and one block. Markelle Fultz managed 16 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Nemanja Bjelica led the Kings with 34 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox pitched in 31 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, one steal and one block. Marvin Bagley III posted 18 points, six boards and two blocks. Hield delivered 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Magic remain on out west and next take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, while the Kings remain home to tangle with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night as well.
The Magic (19-21) appeared to be set for a relatively comfortable road victory in the first half, as they racked up 65 points through the first two quarters. However, the Kings (15-25) managed to erase all but one point from their 13-point halftime deficit during a successful third period, Ultimately, Sacramento took a 113-112 lead with 15.8 seconds remaining, but Aaron Gordon's three-point play with 1.1 seconds left and misses by Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield within the last second, the latter on a tip shot following Barnes' miss, sealed Orlando's victory.
Nikola Vucevic paced the Magic with a 26-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists and three blocks. Evan Fournier totaled 25 points, six assists and one steal. Gordon finished with 19 points, nine boards, two assists and one block. Markelle Fultz managed 16 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Nemanja Bjelica led the Kings with 34 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox pitched in 31 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, one steal and one block. Marvin Bagley III posted 18 points, six boards and two blocks. Hield delivered 16 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Magic remain on out west and next take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, while the Kings remain home to tangle with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night as well.
Lakers Throttle Cavaliers, 128-99
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 128-99, at Staples Center on Monday night.
The Lakers (33-7) came into Monday's contest knowing they'd once again be without Anthony Davis (back), but that they'd also have the benefit of a returning LeBron James (illness). However, thanks in part to a slow start by James, Los Angeles trailed the Cavaliers (12-28) by a 48-47 margin at halftime. They'd come out a different team following intermission, however, finishing the third quarter with a 14-point advantage and then putting the game away with a 44-point tally in the final 12 minutes. James ultimately picked up the pace and led the with 31 points on 75.0 percent shooting, a season-best figure.
Kevin Love paced the Cavaliers with a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Tristan Thompson generated 17 points, 10 boards, two assists and one steal. Collin Sexton and Darius Garland contributed matching 16-point, four-assist tallies. Cedi Osman furnished 15 points, four rebounds and one assist.
James supplemented his aforementioned scoring tally with eight assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dwight Howard pitched in a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Avery Bradley went for 12 points and three rebounds. Kyle Kuzma checked in with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block. Danny Green and Alex Caruso poured in 10 points apiece, with Green also pulling down four rebounds and recording four steals.
The Cavaliers remain in Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Tuesday night, while the Lakers remain home and tangle with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.
The Lakers (33-7) came into Monday's contest knowing they'd once again be without Anthony Davis (back), but that they'd also have the benefit of a returning LeBron James (illness). However, thanks in part to a slow start by James, Los Angeles trailed the Cavaliers (12-28) by a 48-47 margin at halftime. They'd come out a different team following intermission, however, finishing the third quarter with a 14-point advantage and then putting the game away with a 44-point tally in the final 12 minutes. James ultimately picked up the pace and led the with 31 points on 75.0 percent shooting, a season-best figure.
Kevin Love paced the Cavaliers with a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Tristan Thompson generated 17 points, 10 boards, two assists and one steal. Collin Sexton and Darius Garland contributed matching 16-point, four-assist tallies. Cedi Osman furnished 15 points, four rebounds and one assist.
James supplemented his aforementioned scoring tally with eight assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dwight Howard pitched in a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Avery Bradley went for 12 points and three rebounds. Kyle Kuzma checked in with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists and one block. Danny Green and Alex Caruso poured in 10 points apiece, with Green also pulling down four rebounds and recording four steals.
The Cavaliers remain in Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Tuesday night, while the Lakers remain home and tangle with the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.