Pistons End Losing Skid, Secure Win Over Celtics
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Boston Celtics, 116-103, at TD Garden on Wednesday evening.
The Pistons (15-27) entered this game on the heels of a three-game losing run, but they delivered an improved performance to defeat the Celtics (27-12), who have now lost five of their last 11 contests. Detroit jumped ahead following the first quarter when they led by three points (27-24), but Boston recovered that advantage with a 35-30 second quarter. It seemed as if the Pistons were going to lose a fourth straight contest, but they turned things around in the second half and won both the third (34-23) and fourth quarters (25-21) -- as a result, they cruised their way towards a solid win on the road. With the win, Detroit moved to 7-14 on the road while Boston fell to 16-4 at home.
Derrick Rose had a strong performance as a starter, and he finished the contest with 22 points and six assists. Sekou Doumbouya, however, was Detroit's main scoring weapon since he contributed 24 points while making 10 of his 13 field-goal attempts. Markieff Morris chipped in with 23 points off the bench, and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk chipped in with 21 points in 29 minutes. Andre Drummond had 13 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
Gordon Hayward led the way for the Celtics since he ended with 25 points and seven rebounds, but that wasn't enough. Kemba Walker had 19 points but only shared two assists, and Jaylen Brown chipped in with 24 points and 12 boards. No other Boston player scored in double digits, and the Celtics as a whole shot just 32.1 percent from three-point range.
The Pistons (15-27) entered this game on the heels of a three-game losing run, but they delivered an improved performance to defeat the Celtics (27-12), who have now lost five of their last 11 contests. Detroit jumped ahead following the first quarter when they led by three points (27-24), but Boston recovered that advantage with a 35-30 second quarter. It seemed as if the Pistons were going to lose a fourth straight contest, but they turned things around in the second half and won both the third (34-23) and fourth quarters (25-21) -- as a result, they cruised their way towards a solid win on the road. With the win, Detroit moved to 7-14 on the road while Boston fell to 16-4 at home.
Derrick Rose had a strong performance as a starter, and he finished the contest with 22 points and six assists. Sekou Doumbouya, however, was Detroit's main scoring weapon since he contributed 24 points while making 10 of his 13 field-goal attempts. Markieff Morris chipped in with 23 points off the bench, and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk chipped in with 21 points in 29 minutes. Andre Drummond had 13 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
Gordon Hayward led the way for the Celtics since he ended with 25 points and seven rebounds, but that wasn't enough. Kemba Walker had 19 points but only shared two assists, and Jaylen Brown chipped in with 24 points and 12 boards. No other Boston player scored in double digits, and the Celtics as a whole shot just 32.1 percent from three-point range.
Sixers Rally To End Two-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 117-106, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday evening.
The Sixers rallied in the fourth to complete the comeback win and snap a two-game losing streak. The contest got out to a competitive start and the Nets held a three-point lead after one quarter. The Nets pulled ahead by as many as seven points late in the second quarter, but the 76ers brought it back to a three-point game by halftime. The Nets pushed their lead back to seven, mid way through the third quarter and held a four-point lead, heading into the final frame. The 76ers flipped the switch in the fourth and tied the game at 95, with 8:30 to go in the contest. They outscored the Nets 22-11 the rest of the way to improve to 19-2 at home and hand the Nets a second consecutive loss.
Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 34 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Ben Simmons tallied 20 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, an assist and a steal, while Josh Richardson and Furkan Korkmaz chipped in 15 points each. The Sixers shot 51 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 26 points, eight assists and two rebounds, in 37 minutes. Kyrie Irving added 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Taurean Prince tallied 15 points, seven rebounds and three steals. The Nets shot 44 percent from the field, including 12-of-25 from long range.
The Nets (18-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Saturday. The 76ers (26-16) play host to the Bulls on Friday.
The Sixers rallied in the fourth to complete the comeback win and snap a two-game losing streak. The contest got out to a competitive start and the Nets held a three-point lead after one quarter. The Nets pulled ahead by as many as seven points late in the second quarter, but the 76ers brought it back to a three-point game by halftime. The Nets pushed their lead back to seven, mid way through the third quarter and held a four-point lead, heading into the final frame. The 76ers flipped the switch in the fourth and tied the game at 95, with 8:30 to go in the contest. They outscored the Nets 22-11 the rest of the way to improve to 19-2 at home and hand the Nets a second consecutive loss.
Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 34 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Ben Simmons tallied 20 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, an assist and a steal, while Josh Richardson and Furkan Korkmaz chipped in 15 points each. The Sixers shot 51 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 26 points, eight assists and two rebounds, in 37 minutes. Kyrie Irving added 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Taurean Prince tallied 15 points, seven rebounds and three steals. The Nets shot 44 percent from the field, including 12-of-25 from long range.
The Nets (18-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bucks on Saturday. The 76ers (26-16) play host to the Bulls on Friday.
Heat Mount Comeback, Top Spurs
The Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 106-100, at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Spurs (17-22) were coming off a win over the Toronto Raptors so they had their confidence quite high entering this matchup, but the Heat (28-12) blocked their attempts of earning another road win against an Eastern Conference contender with a strong performance late in the game that sealed the deal on their favor. Miami jumped ahead in the first quarter with a 24-17 score, but San Antonio turned things around with a 34-27 second quarter and a 26-24 third-period score. San Antonio entered the final 12 minutes of action up by just two points, but the Heat turned things around right on time. A 31-23 fourth quarter allowed Miami to secure a big win over the Spurs, and that result improved their stellar home record to 18-1. Meanwhile, the Spurs fell to 6-13 playing on the road.
Kendrick Nunn was the unsung hero for the Heat in this one, as the rookie exploded for 33 points while making 13 of his 18 field-goal attempts. Goran Dragic had 17 points off the bench, but three other starters delivered strong performances. Bam Adebayo sniffed a triple-double thanks to 14 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Jimmy Butler had 12 points, and Duncan Robinson contributed 11 points and six rebounds.
DeMar DeRozan continued his stellar scoring run, and he finished with 30 points while making 12 of his 14 field-goal attempts. DeRozan also added five rebounds and seven assists to his name. LaMarcus Aldridge had 12 points and five rebounds in 34 minutes of action. Bryn Forbes had 11 points. Patty Mills had 21 points in 23 minutes coming off the bench.
The Spurs (17-22) were coming off a win over the Toronto Raptors so they had their confidence quite high entering this matchup, but the Heat (28-12) blocked their attempts of earning another road win against an Eastern Conference contender with a strong performance late in the game that sealed the deal on their favor. Miami jumped ahead in the first quarter with a 24-17 score, but San Antonio turned things around with a 34-27 second quarter and a 26-24 third-period score. San Antonio entered the final 12 minutes of action up by just two points, but the Heat turned things around right on time. A 31-23 fourth quarter allowed Miami to secure a big win over the Spurs, and that result improved their stellar home record to 18-1. Meanwhile, the Spurs fell to 6-13 playing on the road.
Kendrick Nunn was the unsung hero for the Heat in this one, as the rookie exploded for 33 points while making 13 of his 18 field-goal attempts. Goran Dragic had 17 points off the bench, but three other starters delivered strong performances. Bam Adebayo sniffed a triple-double thanks to 14 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists. Jimmy Butler had 12 points, and Duncan Robinson contributed 11 points and six rebounds.
DeMar DeRozan continued his stellar scoring run, and he finished with 30 points while making 12 of his 14 field-goal attempts. DeRozan also added five rebounds and seven assists to his name. LaMarcus Aldridge had 12 points and five rebounds in 34 minutes of action. Bryn Forbes had 11 points. Patty Mills had 21 points in 23 minutes coming off the bench.
Bulls Hand Wizards Second Consecutive Loss
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 115-106, at United Center on Wednesday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start and the Wizards led by two, after one quarter. The Bulls kept it close, but the Wizards held the edge for most of the second quarter and took a five-point lead into halftime. The Bulls came out strong in the third and rallied ahead to take an 11-point lead with five minutes left in the quarter. However, the Wizards answered and cut it back to a five-point game, heading into the final frame. The Wizards kept the momentum going and tied it up early in the fourth, but the Bulls turned it up a notch from there, as they took the advantage and did not look back. The Bulls outscored the Wizards 22-13 over the final 9:30, to walk away with their second win in their last three games, while this marks the second straight loss for the Wizards.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 30 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Tomas Satoransky added 18 points, five assists, three rebounds and a steal, while Thaddeus Young added 18 points and eight rebounds, off the bench. The Bulls shot 51 percent from the field, including 14-of-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 23 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 27 minutes. Jordan McRae added 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Isaiah Thomas added 12 points, two rebounds and two assists. The Wizards shot 47 percent from the field, including 11-of-27 from long range.
The Wizards (13-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Friday. The Bulls (15-27) take on the 76ers in Philly on Friday.
The contest got out to a competitive start and the Wizards led by two, after one quarter. The Bulls kept it close, but the Wizards held the edge for most of the second quarter and took a five-point lead into halftime. The Bulls came out strong in the third and rallied ahead to take an 11-point lead with five minutes left in the quarter. However, the Wizards answered and cut it back to a five-point game, heading into the final frame. The Wizards kept the momentum going and tied it up early in the fourth, but the Bulls turned it up a notch from there, as they took the advantage and did not look back. The Bulls outscored the Wizards 22-13 over the final 9:30, to walk away with their second win in their last three games, while this marks the second straight loss for the Wizards.
Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 30 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Tomas Satoransky added 18 points, five assists, three rebounds and a steal, while Thaddeus Young added 18 points and eight rebounds, off the bench. The Bulls shot 51 percent from the field, including 14-of-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 23 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 27 minutes. Jordan McRae added 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Isaiah Thomas added 12 points, two rebounds and two assists. The Wizards shot 47 percent from the field, including 11-of-27 from long range.
The Wizards (13-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Raptors in Toronto on Friday. The Bulls (15-27) take on the 76ers in Philly on Friday.
Pacers Edge Timberwolves, 104-99
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 104-99, at Target Center on Wednesday night.
The Pacers (26-15) came into the contest with a big advantage record-wise against the Timberwolves (15-25), but Minnesota was the hotter shooting team to open the game. The hosts built a 30-24 lead through the first 12 minutes, and they still boasted a five-point edge at halftime. However, Indiana would turn the game around in the second half, outscoring the T-Wolves by a 50-40 margin over the final pair of quarters to secure the road win.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 29 points, adding 13 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 21 points, six boards and six assists. Doug McDermott tallied 14 points, two boards, two assists and one steal. T.J. Warren delivered 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jeremy Lamb managed nine points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Jarrett Culver paced the Timberwolves with 17 points, complementing them with five boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Gorgui Dieng generated a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one block. Keita Bates-Diop matched Dieng's scoring tally and also pulled down six rebounds and dished out three assists. Robert Covington registered 14 points, seven boards, two steals and one block. Andrew Wiggins contributed 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Pacers and Timberwolves will reconvene on Friday night in Indiana for the second game of the back-to-back set.
The Pacers (26-15) came into the contest with a big advantage record-wise against the Timberwolves (15-25), but Minnesota was the hotter shooting team to open the game. The hosts built a 30-24 lead through the first 12 minutes, and they still boasted a five-point edge at halftime. However, Indiana would turn the game around in the second half, outscoring the T-Wolves by a 50-40 margin over the final pair of quarters to secure the road win.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 29 points, adding 13 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block. Malcolm Brogdon supplied 21 points, six boards and six assists. Doug McDermott tallied 14 points, two boards, two assists and one steal. T.J. Warren delivered 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Jeremy Lamb managed nine points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals.
Jarrett Culver paced the Timberwolves with 17 points, complementing them with five boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Gorgui Dieng generated a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one block. Keita Bates-Diop matched Dieng's scoring tally and also pulled down six rebounds and dished out three assists. Robert Covington registered 14 points, seven boards, two steals and one block. Andrew Wiggins contributed 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Pacers and Timberwolves will reconvene on Friday night in Indiana for the second game of the back-to-back set.
Raptors Hold Off Thunder In High-Scoring Bout
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 130-121, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Raptors got out to a great start on the road, as they outscored the Thunder 38-25 through the first quarter. They kept their foot on the gas though the second and pushed their lead as high as 30, before settling on an 18-point lead by halftime. The Thunder came out stronger in the third and managed to cut it to a 14-point game, by the end of the quarter. The Raptors pushed their lead back up to 21, mid way through the fourth, but the Thunder gave it one last gasp and rallied to cut it to a thee-point game with just over two minutes left. The Raptors maintained their composure and came up clutch down the stretch, outscoring the Thunder 8-3 in the final 2:30, to hold on for their 12th road win.
Seven players scored in double digits for Toronto, led by Norman Powell, who tallied 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting, in 26 minutes off the bench. Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby tallied 21 points each, while Kyle Lowry added 17 points, eight assists, four rebounds and a steal. The Raptors shot 61 percent from the field, including 15-of-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dennis Schroder led the Thunder with 25 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 37 minutes off the bench. Danilo Gallinari added 23 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Chris Paul totalled 16 points, 11 assists, five rebounds and four steals. The Thunder shot 51 percent from the field, including 16-of-42 from deep.
The Thunder (23-18) look to bounce back as they play his to the Thunder on Friday. The Raptors (26-14) play host to the Wizards on Friday.
The Raptors got out to a great start on the road, as they outscored the Thunder 38-25 through the first quarter. They kept their foot on the gas though the second and pushed their lead as high as 30, before settling on an 18-point lead by halftime. The Thunder came out stronger in the third and managed to cut it to a 14-point game, by the end of the quarter. The Raptors pushed their lead back up to 21, mid way through the fourth, but the Thunder gave it one last gasp and rallied to cut it to a thee-point game with just over two minutes left. The Raptors maintained their composure and came up clutch down the stretch, outscoring the Thunder 8-3 in the final 2:30, to hold on for their 12th road win.
Seven players scored in double digits for Toronto, led by Norman Powell, who tallied 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting, in 26 minutes off the bench. Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby tallied 21 points each, while Kyle Lowry added 17 points, eight assists, four rebounds and a steal. The Raptors shot 61 percent from the field, including 15-of-27 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dennis Schroder led the Thunder with 25 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 37 minutes off the bench. Danilo Gallinari added 23 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Chris Paul totalled 16 points, 11 assists, five rebounds and four steals. The Thunder shot 51 percent from the field, including 16-of-42 from deep.
The Thunder (23-18) look to bounce back as they play his to the Thunder on Friday. The Raptors (26-14) play host to the Wizards on Friday.
Nuggets Best Hornets, 100-86
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 100-86, at Pepsi Center on Wednesday night.
The Nuggets (28-12) came into the contest with their starting backcourt ailing, as Jamal Murray was battling a back issue while Gary Harris was dealing with a groin injury. Harris ultimately failed to suit up, while Murray played but was forced from the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury. Despite the health issues, Denver was able to take an impressive 57-42 lead over the Hornets (15-29) into intermission. Charlotte was able to knock 10 points off its deficit in the third quarter, but the home squad responded with a dominant final period in which they limited the visitors to just 17 points.
Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 20 points, adding nine assists, three rebounds and one steal. P.J. Washington and Devonte' Graham generated matching 14-point, four-assist tallies. Miles Bridges matched his teammates' scoring total and added eight rebounds. Cody Zeller contributed 11 points.
iMichael Porter, Jr. led the Nuggets with 19 points and also collected eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Mason Plumlee followed with 15 points, complementing them with five rebounds and two assists. Jerami Grant delivered 14 points, five boards, two assists and two blocks. Will Barton turned in 13 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Nikola Jokic mustered 12 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal. P.J. Dozier matched Jokic's scoring and also pulled down four rebounds.
The Hornets head back home to face the Orlando Magic on Monday afternoon, while the Nuggets hit the road to face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
The Nuggets (28-12) came into the contest with their starting backcourt ailing, as Jamal Murray was battling a back issue while Gary Harris was dealing with a groin injury. Harris ultimately failed to suit up, while Murray played but was forced from the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury. Despite the health issues, Denver was able to take an impressive 57-42 lead over the Hornets (15-29) into intermission. Charlotte was able to knock 10 points off its deficit in the third quarter, but the home squad responded with a dominant final period in which they limited the visitors to just 17 points.
Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 20 points, adding nine assists, three rebounds and one steal. P.J. Washington and Devonte' Graham generated matching 14-point, four-assist tallies. Miles Bridges matched his teammates' scoring total and added eight rebounds. Cody Zeller contributed 11 points.
iMichael Porter, Jr. led the Nuggets with 19 points and also collected eight rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Mason Plumlee followed with 15 points, complementing them with five rebounds and two assists. Jerami Grant delivered 14 points, five boards, two assists and two blocks. Will Barton turned in 13 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Nikola Jokic mustered 12 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal. P.J. Dozier matched Jokic's scoring and also pulled down four rebounds.
The Hornets head back home to face the Orlando Magic on Monday afternoon, while the Nuggets hit the road to face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.
Trail Blazers Defeat Rockets, 117-107
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the host Houston Rockets, 117-107, at Toyota Center on Wednesday.
While three of the four quarters were decided by three points or fewer, a 32-21 second quarter gave Portland their victory. In fact, they never trailed after that, leading by at least six points for the final 30 minutes of play. The Trail Blazers ended up out-rebounding the Rockets on the defensive end, 45-38, while winning the turnover battle, 12-7. In addition, Portland went 24-of-29 from the free-throw line while Houston hit just 15-of-23.
The Trail Blazers (18-24) were led by Damian Lillard and his 25 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. C.J. McCollum amassed 24 points, six rebounds and two steals. Carmelo Anthony amassed 18 points and 12 boards. Hassan Whiteside generated 18 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks while Kent Bazemore had 12 points and nine boards.
The Rockets (26-14) got a triple-double from Russell Westbrook, who collected 31 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. Ben McLemore dropped 17 points. James Harden had a season-low 13 points, adding eight rebounds and seven assists to his tally. Clint Capela accumulated 14 points, 18 rebounds and two assists while Eric Gordon led the bench with 20 points.
On deck for Portland is a road game against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. As for Houston, they return to action on Saturday when they play host to the Los Angeles Lakers.
While three of the four quarters were decided by three points or fewer, a 32-21 second quarter gave Portland their victory. In fact, they never trailed after that, leading by at least six points for the final 30 minutes of play. The Trail Blazers ended up out-rebounding the Rockets on the defensive end, 45-38, while winning the turnover battle, 12-7. In addition, Portland went 24-of-29 from the free-throw line while Houston hit just 15-of-23.
The Trail Blazers (18-24) were led by Damian Lillard and his 25 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. C.J. McCollum amassed 24 points, six rebounds and two steals. Carmelo Anthony amassed 18 points and 12 boards. Hassan Whiteside generated 18 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks while Kent Bazemore had 12 points and nine boards.
The Rockets (26-14) got a triple-double from Russell Westbrook, who collected 31 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists. Ben McLemore dropped 17 points. James Harden had a season-low 13 points, adding eight rebounds and seven assists to his tally. Clint Capela accumulated 14 points, 18 rebounds and two assists while Eric Gordon led the bench with 20 points.
On deck for Portland is a road game against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. As for Houston, they return to action on Saturday when they play host to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Mavericks Defeat Kings, 127-123
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 127-123, at Golden 1 Center on Wednesday.
While there were 10 ties and nine lead changes in the first half, Dallas never trailed in the second half. That can be attributed to a 37-26 second quarter, leading by at least three points for the final 20 minutes of action. A late run by Sacramento turned a 16-point deficit with six minutes to go into this four-point final margin, despite the fact that they never had a shot to tie the game. Free-throw shooting was key, with the Mavericks connecting on 20-of-24 and the Kings hitting just 11-of-20. In addition, Dallas out-rebounded Sacramento, 47-42. Both clubs shot over 50 percent from the field as well. The Mavericks also outscored the Kings bench, 38-23.
The Mavericks (26-15) got a monster triple-double from Luka Doncic, who collected 25 points, 15 rebounds and 17 assists. Tim Hardaway Jr amassed 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Dwight Powell totaled 17 points and nine boards while Dorian Finney-Smith generated 15 points and eight rebounds. Seth Curry led the bench with 21 points.
The Kings (15-26) were led by De'Aaron Fox and his 27 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists. Harrison Barnes accrued 25 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Buddy Hield finished with 25 points, two rebounds and two assists while Nemanja Bjelica accumulated 11 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals.
On deck for Dallas is a home matchup versus the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Saturday in a road game against the Utah Jazz.
While there were 10 ties and nine lead changes in the first half, Dallas never trailed in the second half. That can be attributed to a 37-26 second quarter, leading by at least three points for the final 20 minutes of action. A late run by Sacramento turned a 16-point deficit with six minutes to go into this four-point final margin, despite the fact that they never had a shot to tie the game. Free-throw shooting was key, with the Mavericks connecting on 20-of-24 and the Kings hitting just 11-of-20. In addition, Dallas out-rebounded Sacramento, 47-42. Both clubs shot over 50 percent from the field as well. The Mavericks also outscored the Kings bench, 38-23.
The Mavericks (26-15) got a monster triple-double from Luka Doncic, who collected 25 points, 15 rebounds and 17 assists. Tim Hardaway Jr amassed 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Dwight Powell totaled 17 points and nine boards while Dorian Finney-Smith generated 15 points and eight rebounds. Seth Curry led the bench with 21 points.
The Kings (15-26) were led by De'Aaron Fox and his 27 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists. Harrison Barnes accrued 25 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Buddy Hield finished with 25 points, two rebounds and two assists while Nemanja Bjelica accumulated 11 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two steals.
On deck for Dallas is a home matchup versus the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Saturday in a road game against the Utah Jazz.
Magic Defeat Lakers, 119-118
The Orlando Magic defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 119-118, at Staples Center on Wednesday.
While Orlando led by 21 points in the third quarter, a 30-6 run by Los Angeles after that made it a competitive ballgame. In fact, LeBron James had an opportunity to tie the game in the final seconds with a three but it was just long and went in-and-out. That led to 10 lead changes in total with all of those happening in the first five minutes or the final 10 minutes. The Magic went 23-of-30 from the free-throw line while the Lakers hit just 7-of-11. In addition, Orlando outscored Los Angeles in fastbreak points, 22-17, and the points in the paint battle, 60-52.
The Magic (20-21) got a triple-double from Markelle Fultz, who collected 21 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Aaron Gordon matched those 21 points, adding six rebounds, three assists and two steals to his tally. Nikola Vucevic accrued 19 points, four rebounds and two assists while Wes Iwundu amassed 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Lakers (33-8) were led by LeBron James and his 19 points, three rebounds and 19 assists. JaVale McGee totaled 14 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Kyle Kuzma generated four points, five rebounds and seven assists while Quinn Cook led the bench with 22 points and four rebounds. Dwight Howard also provided nine points and 16 rebounds off the bench too.
Orlando has to play again on Thursday, remaining in California to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for the Lakers, they're off until Saturday when they face the Houston Rockets on the road.
While Orlando led by 21 points in the third quarter, a 30-6 run by Los Angeles after that made it a competitive ballgame. In fact, LeBron James had an opportunity to tie the game in the final seconds with a three but it was just long and went in-and-out. That led to 10 lead changes in total with all of those happening in the first five minutes or the final 10 minutes. The Magic went 23-of-30 from the free-throw line while the Lakers hit just 7-of-11. In addition, Orlando outscored Los Angeles in fastbreak points, 22-17, and the points in the paint battle, 60-52.
The Magic (20-21) got a triple-double from Markelle Fultz, who collected 21 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Aaron Gordon matched those 21 points, adding six rebounds, three assists and two steals to his tally. Nikola Vucevic accrued 19 points, four rebounds and two assists while Wes Iwundu amassed 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Lakers (33-8) were led by LeBron James and his 19 points, three rebounds and 19 assists. JaVale McGee totaled 14 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. Kyle Kuzma generated four points, five rebounds and seven assists while Quinn Cook led the bench with 22 points and four rebounds. Dwight Howard also provided nine points and 16 rebounds off the bench too.
Orlando has to play again on Thursday, remaining in California to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for the Lakers, they're off until Saturday when they face the Houston Rockets on the road.