Suns Shake Off Slow Start, Rout Knicks
The Phoenix Suns defeated the New York Knicks, 121-98, at Madison Square Garden on Thursday night.
The Suns (16-24) improved to 6-4 during their last 10 games, and they seem to be trending in the right direction following some solid displays of late. Such was the case Thursday against the Knicks (11-31), as they bounced back from an ugly first quarter to secure a comfortable win on the road. New York jumped to a 32-25 lead following the first quarter, but Phoenix turned things around and a 33-20 second-quarter score allowed them to build a six-point lead at halftime. They would extend that lead even further in the remaining of the game, however, and they won the third (32-27) and fourth (31-19) quarters with absolute ease on their way to a comfortable win away from home. With this result, the Suns moved to 8-10 on the road while the Knicks fell to 6-14 at home.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 29 points, four rebounds and four assists, but Ricky Rubio and DeAndre Ayton had strong performances as well. While the Spaniard finished with 25 points, 13 assists and eight boards, the second-year center posted a strong double-double of 26 points and 21 rebounds. Dario Saric had 11 points, and Cameron Johnson chipped in with 10 points off the bench.
Julius Randle was the top scoring threat for the Knicks, as he ended with 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Meanwhile, Marcus Morris Sr. chipped in with 17 points in 33 minutes. No other starter scored in double digits for the Knicks, as R.J. Barrett, Taj Gibson and Elfrid Payton scored 20 points combined. Mitchell Robinson picked up the slack with 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
The Suns (16-24) improved to 6-4 during their last 10 games, and they seem to be trending in the right direction following some solid displays of late. Such was the case Thursday against the Knicks (11-31), as they bounced back from an ugly first quarter to secure a comfortable win on the road. New York jumped to a 32-25 lead following the first quarter, but Phoenix turned things around and a 33-20 second-quarter score allowed them to build a six-point lead at halftime. They would extend that lead even further in the remaining of the game, however, and they won the third (32-27) and fourth (31-19) quarters with absolute ease on their way to a comfortable win away from home. With this result, the Suns moved to 8-10 on the road while the Knicks fell to 6-14 at home.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 29 points, four rebounds and four assists, but Ricky Rubio and DeAndre Ayton had strong performances as well. While the Spaniard finished with 25 points, 13 assists and eight boards, the second-year center posted a strong double-double of 26 points and 21 rebounds. Dario Saric had 11 points, and Cameron Johnson chipped in with 10 points off the bench.
Julius Randle was the top scoring threat for the Knicks, as he ended with 26 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Meanwhile, Marcus Morris Sr. chipped in with 17 points in 33 minutes. No other starter scored in double digits for the Knicks, as R.J. Barrett, Taj Gibson and Elfrid Payton scored 20 points combined. Mitchell Robinson picked up the slack with 12 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Pelicans Stun Jazz
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 138-132, at Smoothie King Center on Thursday evening.
The Pelicans outlasted the Jazz in a thrilling overtime win, to earn their fourth win in five games and snap Utah's 10-game winning streak. The contest came down to a wild finish, as Brandon Ingram hit a jumper to put the Pelicans up by one, with 0.2 seconds left on the clock. As the game seemed all but over, the Pelicans were called for a foul on the inbound play, which sent Rudy Gobert to the line, where he hit one-of-two to send the game to overtime. Despite the tough call to end regulation, the Pelicans managed to maintain their focus and outscored the Jazz 16-10 in overtime.
Brandon Ingram was fantastic for New Orleans, as he led the way with 49 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a block, in 41 minutes of action. Derrick Favors added 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals, while Lonzo Ball finished with five points, four rebounds, two blocks and 13 assists. The Pelicans shot 55 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 46 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 42 minutes. Bojan Bogdanovic totalled 26 points, four assists and three rebounds, while Rudy Gobert finished with 17 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. The Jazz shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from long range.
The Jazz (28-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Saturday. The Pelicans (16-26) host the Clippers on Saturday.
The Pelicans outlasted the Jazz in a thrilling overtime win, to earn their fourth win in five games and snap Utah's 10-game winning streak. The contest came down to a wild finish, as Brandon Ingram hit a jumper to put the Pelicans up by one, with 0.2 seconds left on the clock. As the game seemed all but over, the Pelicans were called for a foul on the inbound play, which sent Rudy Gobert to the line, where he hit one-of-two to send the game to overtime. Despite the tough call to end regulation, the Pelicans managed to maintain their focus and outscored the Jazz 16-10 in overtime.
Brandon Ingram was fantastic for New Orleans, as he led the way with 49 points, eight rebounds, six assists and a block, in 41 minutes of action. Derrick Favors added 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals, while Lonzo Ball finished with five points, four rebounds, two blocks and 13 assists. The Pelicans shot 55 percent from the field, including 11-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 46 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 42 minutes. Bojan Bogdanovic totalled 26 points, four assists and three rebounds, while Rudy Gobert finished with 17 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and three blocks. The Jazz shot 46 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from long range.
The Jazz (28-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Kings on Saturday. The Pelicans (16-26) host the Clippers on Saturday.
Bucks Outlast Celtics, 128-123
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Boston Celtics, 128-123, at Fiserv Forum on Thursday night.
The Bucks (37-6) were even more locked in than usual in the first half, as they compiled a jaw-dropping 76 points over the first pair of quarters. However, the Celtics (27-13) were much more competitive in the third quarter after being down 18 points at halftime, and they ultimately clawed back to get within 127-123 in the closing seconds. Marcus Smart and Jayson Tatum would then fail to find the net on three-point attempts, leaving Boston's spirited comeback just short.
Kemba Walker paced the Celtics with 40 points, adding 11 rebounds, three assists and one block. Smart finished with 24 points, complementing them with four boards, two assists, two steals and one block. Tatum totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one block. Daniel Theis generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two blocks and one steal. Enes Kanter led the bench with nine points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a 32-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and two blocks. Khris Middleton supplied 23 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Donte DiVincenzo posted 19 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Brook Lopez furnished 16 points, three rebounds, one assist and four blocks. George Hill poured in 13 points.
The Celtics head back home to face the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night, while the Bucks visit the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday evening.
The Bucks (37-6) were even more locked in than usual in the first half, as they compiled a jaw-dropping 76 points over the first pair of quarters. However, the Celtics (27-13) were much more competitive in the third quarter after being down 18 points at halftime, and they ultimately clawed back to get within 127-123 in the closing seconds. Marcus Smart and Jayson Tatum would then fail to find the net on three-point attempts, leaving Boston's spirited comeback just short.
Kemba Walker paced the Celtics with 40 points, adding 11 rebounds, three assists and one block. Smart finished with 24 points, complementing them with four boards, two assists, two steals and one block. Tatum totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one block. Daniel Theis generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two blocks and one steal. Enes Kanter led the bench with nine points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a 32-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and two blocks. Khris Middleton supplied 23 points, six boards, four assists and two steals. Donte DiVincenzo posted 19 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals. Brook Lopez furnished 16 points, three rebounds, one assist and four blocks. George Hill poured in 13 points.
The Celtics head back home to face the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night, while the Bucks visit the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday evening.
Nuggets Defeat Warriors in OT, 134-131
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Golden State Warriors in OT, 134-131, at Chase Center on Thursday.
Golden State held the lead for over 46 minutes of regulation but it took an overtime session to determine a winner. In fact, the Nuggets first lead was when they started up 3-0 in the opening minute and they didn't recapture the lead again until it was 109-108 with 1:16 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets then scored on their first seven possessions of overtime, going on an 8-0 run to capture a game-high seven-point lead with two minutes remaining. That was too much for the Warriors to overcome, with Denver never surrendering the lead after that despite the Warriors getting a chance to tie the game at the buzzer. In fact, Denver outscored Golden State, 61-46, in the fourth quarter and overtime. Rebounding was the difference for the Nuggets, out-rebounding the Warriors, 56-41.
The Nuggets (29-12) were led by Will Barton and his 31 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Nikola Jokic collected 23 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Malik Beasley led the bench with 27 points and four rebounds while Mason Plumlee generated 15 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. Michael Porter Jr also provided 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists off the bench as well. All of those shot 50 percent from the field or higher
The Warriors (9-34) were led by Damion Lee, who tallied 21 points, four rebounds and six assists. D'Angelo Russell amassed 19 points, three rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Glenn Robinson III totaled 17 points, six rebounds and three assists. Alec Burks led the bench with 25 points and four boards. Draymond Green accumulated six points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
On deck for Golden State is a home game against the Orlando Magic on Saturday. As for Denver, they return home on Sunday to face the Indiana Pacers for their next game.
Golden State held the lead for over 46 minutes of regulation but it took an overtime session to determine a winner. In fact, the Nuggets first lead was when they started up 3-0 in the opening minute and they didn't recapture the lead again until it was 109-108 with 1:16 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets then scored on their first seven possessions of overtime, going on an 8-0 run to capture a game-high seven-point lead with two minutes remaining. That was too much for the Warriors to overcome, with Denver never surrendering the lead after that despite the Warriors getting a chance to tie the game at the buzzer. In fact, Denver outscored Golden State, 61-46, in the fourth quarter and overtime. Rebounding was the difference for the Nuggets, out-rebounding the Warriors, 56-41.
The Nuggets (29-12) were led by Will Barton and his 31 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Nikola Jokic collected 23 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Malik Beasley led the bench with 27 points and four rebounds while Mason Plumlee generated 15 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. Michael Porter Jr also provided 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists off the bench as well. All of those shot 50 percent from the field or higher
The Warriors (9-34) were led by Damion Lee, who tallied 21 points, four rebounds and six assists. D'Angelo Russell amassed 19 points, three rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Glenn Robinson III totaled 17 points, six rebounds and three assists. Alec Burks led the bench with 25 points and four boards. Draymond Green accumulated six points, nine rebounds and eight assists.
On deck for Golden State is a home game against the Orlando Magic on Saturday. As for Denver, they return home on Sunday to face the Indiana Pacers for their next game.
Clippers Defeat Magic, 122-95
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 122-95, at Staples Center on Thursday.
While there were four ties and four lead changes in the first 10 minutes, Los Angeles dominated from there. In fact, the Clippers ended up outscoring them in that quarter, 34-26, following that up with a 33-22 second quarter. That gave them a 19-point halftime lead and Orlando never got the game within 14 after that. The Clippers ended up shooting 50 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Magic to 39 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. In addition, Los Angeles won the rebounding battle, 59-42
The Magic (20-22) were led by Nikola Vucevic, who tallied 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 20 points and five assists. Those two guys combined to go 16-of-24 from the field. Evan Fournier tallied 15 points, four rebounds and two assists while Terrence Ross led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Clippers (29-13) were led by Kawhi Leonard and his 32 points, five rebounds and five assists. Landry Shamet generated 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. Patrick Beverley accrued 10 points, two rebounds and seven assists. JaMychal Green had a double-double off the bench while Montrezl Harrell led them with 21 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Orlando remaining on the road to face the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles traveling to face the New Orleans Pelicans.
While there were four ties and four lead changes in the first 10 minutes, Los Angeles dominated from there. In fact, the Clippers ended up outscoring them in that quarter, 34-26, following that up with a 33-22 second quarter. That gave them a 19-point halftime lead and Orlando never got the game within 14 after that. The Clippers ended up shooting 50 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Magic to 39 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. In addition, Los Angeles won the rebounding battle, 59-42
The Magic (20-22) were led by Nikola Vucevic, who tallied 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 20 points and five assists. Those two guys combined to go 16-of-24 from the field. Evan Fournier tallied 15 points, four rebounds and two assists while Terrence Ross led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Clippers (29-13) were led by Kawhi Leonard and his 32 points, five rebounds and five assists. Landry Shamet generated 13 points, three rebounds and two assists. Patrick Beverley accrued 10 points, two rebounds and seven assists. JaMychal Green had a double-double off the bench while Montrezl Harrell led them with 21 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Orlando remaining on the road to face the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles traveling to face the New Orleans Pelicans.