Pacers Edge Timberwolves, 116-114
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 116-114, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Timberwolves (15-26) got a pregame boost when Karl-Anthony Towns, who'd missed the last 15 games with a knee sprain and an illness, was announced as available. However, the Pacers (27-15) still managed to forge a 32-26 first-quarter lead, and they then matched Minnesota bucket for bucket in the second quarter to take a six-point edge into halftime. They held the same advantage going into the fourth quarter, but Indiana then saw their visitors finish the game on a 21-13 run over the final 10:11 of the game. That led to a 114-114 tie with 1:48 remaining, but Malcolm Brogdon sunk a 15-footer with 18.7 seconds left that would turn out to be the game-winning basket.
Towns led the way for the T-Wolves with 27 points, complementing them with five rebounds and one assist. Andrew Wiggins supplied 22 points, four assists and two rebounds. Josh Okogie furnished 15 points and four boards. Shabazz Napier and Jarrett Culver generated matching 12-point tallies, with Napier dishing out nine assists and Culver pulling down four rebounds. Robert Covington mustered nine points but also pulled down 10 rebounds.
T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 28 points, complementing them with five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jeremy Lamb turned in 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Doug McDermott and Aaron Holiday contributed 13 points apiece, with McDermott also hauling in eight rebounds. Brogdon finished with a 12-point, 10-assist double-double that also included four rebounds and one block.
The Timberwolves return home to face the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, while the Pacers visit the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night.
The Timberwolves (15-26) got a pregame boost when Karl-Anthony Towns, who'd missed the last 15 games with a knee sprain and an illness, was announced as available. However, the Pacers (27-15) still managed to forge a 32-26 first-quarter lead, and they then matched Minnesota bucket for bucket in the second quarter to take a six-point edge into halftime. They held the same advantage going into the fourth quarter, but Indiana then saw their visitors finish the game on a 21-13 run over the final 10:11 of the game. That led to a 114-114 tie with 1:48 remaining, but Malcolm Brogdon sunk a 15-footer with 18.7 seconds left that would turn out to be the game-winning basket.
Towns led the way for the T-Wolves with 27 points, complementing them with five rebounds and one assist. Andrew Wiggins supplied 22 points, four assists and two rebounds. Josh Okogie furnished 15 points and four boards. Shabazz Napier and Jarrett Culver generated matching 12-point tallies, with Napier dishing out nine assists and Culver pulling down four rebounds. Robert Covington mustered nine points but also pulled down 10 rebounds.
T.J. Warren led the Pacers with 28 points, complementing them with five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jeremy Lamb turned in 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Doug McDermott and Aaron Holiday contributed 13 points apiece, with McDermott also hauling in eight rebounds. Brogdon finished with a 12-point, 10-assist double-double that also included four rebounds and one block.
The Timberwolves return home to face the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, while the Pacers visit the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night.
Sixers Top Bulls For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 100-89, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the Bulls taking a three-point lead after one quarter. The Sixers kept it close through the second and cut it to a one point, heading into halftime. The 76ers picked up in the second half and outscored the Bulls by 11 points in the third quarter, to take a 10-point lead into the final frame. The Sixers stayed on top through the fourth and held on for their second straight win.
Furkan Korkmaz led the 76ers with 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including a career-high six three-pointers, in 27 minutes off the bench. Ben Simmons finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Al Horford added 20 points, six assists, five rebounds and a block. Tobias Harris was quiet, with 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting, in 36 minutes. The Sixers shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists, in 36 minutes. Coby White added 14 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Luke Kornet added 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal. The Bulls shot 43 percent from the field, including 8-of-35 from long range.
The Bulls (15-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Saturday. The 76ers (27-16) take on the Knicks in New York on Saturday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the Bulls taking a three-point lead after one quarter. The Sixers kept it close through the second and cut it to a one point, heading into halftime. The 76ers picked up in the second half and outscored the Bulls by 11 points in the third quarter, to take a 10-point lead into the final frame. The Sixers stayed on top through the fourth and held on for their second straight win.
Furkan Korkmaz led the 76ers with 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including a career-high six three-pointers, in 27 minutes off the bench. Ben Simmons finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Al Horford added 20 points, six assists, five rebounds and a block. Tobias Harris was quiet, with 13 points on 5-of-12 shooting, in 36 minutes. The Sixers shot 49 percent from the field, including 9-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists, in 36 minutes. Coby White added 14 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Luke Kornet added 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal. The Bulls shot 43 percent from the field, including 8-of-35 from long range.
The Bulls (15-28) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Saturday. The 76ers (27-16) take on the Knicks in New York on Saturday.
Raptors Decimate Wizards, 140-111
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Washington Wizards, 140-111, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night.
The Raptors (27-14) set the tone early for what would be a lopsided win by racking up 38 points in the first quarter and carrying a 14-point lead into halftime. The Wizards (13-28) then saw their deficit grow by another 10 points in the third quarter, which set the stage for the final period to be a mere formality. Toronto finished with 57.1 percent shooting in the big win, including 51.2 percent from distance.
Troy Brown, Jr. led the Wizards with 22 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist and three steals. Isaac Bonga generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one steal. Bradley Beal posted 14 points. Ish Smith supplied 12 points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal. Davis Bertans matched Smith's scoring and also totaled two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Anzejs Pasecniks furnished 11 points and six boards.
Norman Powell turned in 28 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Terence Davis registered 23 points, seven boards and three assists. Marc Gasol delivered 20 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. OG Anunoby contributed 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and four steals. Serge Ibaka managed 15 points and eight boards. Pascal Siakam went for 12 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals, while Kyle Lowry tallied 11 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The Wizards head back home to take on the Detroit Pistons on Monday afternoon, while the Raptors visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
The Raptors (27-14) set the tone early for what would be a lopsided win by racking up 38 points in the first quarter and carrying a 14-point lead into halftime. The Wizards (13-28) then saw their deficit grow by another 10 points in the third quarter, which set the stage for the final period to be a mere formality. Toronto finished with 57.1 percent shooting in the big win, including 51.2 percent from distance.
Troy Brown, Jr. led the Wizards with 22 points, adding eight rebounds, one assist and three steals. Isaac Bonga generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included one steal. Bradley Beal posted 14 points. Ish Smith supplied 12 points, eight assists, three rebounds and one steal. Davis Bertans matched Smith's scoring and also totaled two rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Anzejs Pasecniks furnished 11 points and six boards.
Norman Powell turned in 28 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Terence Davis registered 23 points, seven boards and three assists. Marc Gasol delivered 20 points, six rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. OG Anunoby contributed 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and four steals. Serge Ibaka managed 15 points and eight boards. Pascal Siakam went for 12 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals, while Kyle Lowry tallied 11 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The Wizards head back home to take on the Detroit Pistons on Monday afternoon, while the Raptors visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
Heat Earn Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 115-108, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday evening.
The Heat got out to a great start on the road, as they jumped out to a 40-26 lead after one quarter. The Thunder tightened up their effort in the second but could not cut into the deficit, as the Heat matched them point-for-point through the quarter, to maintain a 14-point lead at halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third and once again, played to a standstill through the quarter, so that the Heat carried a 14-point lead into the final frame. The Thunder kept up the fight in the fourth and cut it to a seven-point game with just over a minute to go, but it was too little, too late, as the Heat held on for their second straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Thunder.
Kendrick Nunn led the Heat with 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Bam Adebayo added 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a block, while Jimmy Butler finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block. The Heat shot 49 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Danilo Gallinari led the Thunder with 27 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Dennis Schroder addled 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, off the bench, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 18 points, eight assists, five rebounds and a steal. The Thunder shot 44 percent from the field, including 18-of-46 from long range.
The Thunder (23-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Saturday. The Heat (29-12) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Sunday.
The Heat got out to a great start on the road, as they jumped out to a 40-26 lead after one quarter. The Thunder tightened up their effort in the second but could not cut into the deficit, as the Heat matched them point-for-point through the quarter, to maintain a 14-point lead at halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third and once again, played to a standstill through the quarter, so that the Heat carried a 14-point lead into the final frame. The Thunder kept up the fight in the fourth and cut it to a seven-point game with just over a minute to go, but it was too little, too late, as the Heat held on for their second straight win. This marks the second straight loss for the Thunder.
Kendrick Nunn led the Heat with 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Bam Adebayo added 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a block, while Jimmy Butler finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block. The Heat shot 49 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Danilo Gallinari led the Thunder with 27 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Dennis Schroder addled 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, off the bench, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 18 points, eight assists, five rebounds and a steal. The Thunder shot 44 percent from the field, including 18-of-46 from long range.
The Thunder (23-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Saturday. The Heat (29-12) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Sunday.
Grizzlies Defeat Cavaliers, 113-109
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 113-109, at FedEx Forum on Friday.
While Memphis got out to a game-high 21-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter, this game came down to the wire. In fact, the Grizzlies rode a 38-20 third quarter to that big lead but Cleveland responded with a 33-21 fourth quarter. Even though they got it to a four-point margin, Memphis still held the lead for the final 20 minutes of play. Ball movement was the difference for the Grizzlies, out-assisting the Cavaliers, 32-18. In addition, Memphis quadrupled up Cleveland in blocks, 8-2. The Grizzlies ended up shooting 51 percent from the field while holding the Cavaliers to just 44 percent.
The Cavaliers (12-30) were led by Collin Sexton, who tallied 28 points, four rebounds and six assists. Kevin Love accrued 19 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Darius Garland accrued 11 points, two rebounds and six assists. Larry Nance Jr led the bench with 16 points and six boards while Alfonzo McKinnie recorded a double-double.
The Grizzlies (20-22) were led by Dillon Brooks, who dropped 26 points. Ja Morant accumulated 16 points, five rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Jonas Valanciunas amassed eight points, 18 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Brandon Clarke led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Cleveland has to play again on Saturday, remaining on the road to face the Chicago Bulls. As for Memphis, they play host to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday for their next outing.
While Memphis got out to a game-high 21-point lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter, this game came down to the wire. In fact, the Grizzlies rode a 38-20 third quarter to that big lead but Cleveland responded with a 33-21 fourth quarter. Even though they got it to a four-point margin, Memphis still held the lead for the final 20 minutes of play. Ball movement was the difference for the Grizzlies, out-assisting the Cavaliers, 32-18. In addition, Memphis quadrupled up Cleveland in blocks, 8-2. The Grizzlies ended up shooting 51 percent from the field while holding the Cavaliers to just 44 percent.
The Cavaliers (12-30) were led by Collin Sexton, who tallied 28 points, four rebounds and six assists. Kevin Love accrued 19 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Darius Garland accrued 11 points, two rebounds and six assists. Larry Nance Jr led the bench with 16 points and six boards while Alfonzo McKinnie recorded a double-double.
The Grizzlies (20-22) were led by Dillon Brooks, who dropped 26 points. Ja Morant accumulated 16 points, five rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Jonas Valanciunas amassed eight points, 18 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Brandon Clarke led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Cleveland has to play again on Saturday, remaining on the road to face the Chicago Bulls. As for Memphis, they play host to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday for their next outing.
Hawks Defeat Spurs, 121-120
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 121-120, at AT&T Center on Friday.
While San Antonio got out to a 15-point lead late in the third quarter, Atlanta made the run that mattered most. In fact, they finished the game on a 10-2 run across the final two minutes of play to prevail. A Kevin Hurter three-pointer with 6.2 seconds left was the decider, giving them their first lead since early in the third quarter and more importantly, the win. Atlanta ended up shooting 50 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding San Antonio to 46 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range.
The Hawks (10-32) were led by Trae Young and his 31 points, five rebounds and nine assists on 10-of-16 from the field. Cam Reddish accumulated 22 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals. John Collins amassed 18 points and 10 rebounds while Huerter totaled 18 points, two rebounds and two blocks. Vince Carter led the bench with 14 points.
The Spurs (17-23) were led by LaMarcus Aldridge, who generated 30 points and five rebounds before fouling out. DeMar DeRozan missed a game-tying runner at the buzzer but finished with 25 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Dejounte Murray accrued 13 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals while Patty Mills led the bench with 15 points.
Atlanta has to play again on Saturday, returning home to face the Detroit Pistons. As for San Antonio, they stay home to face the Miami Heat on Sunday for their next fixture.
While San Antonio got out to a 15-point lead late in the third quarter, Atlanta made the run that mattered most. In fact, they finished the game on a 10-2 run across the final two minutes of play to prevail. A Kevin Hurter three-pointer with 6.2 seconds left was the decider, giving them their first lead since early in the third quarter and more importantly, the win. Atlanta ended up shooting 50 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding San Antonio to 46 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range.
The Hawks (10-32) were led by Trae Young and his 31 points, five rebounds and nine assists on 10-of-16 from the field. Cam Reddish accumulated 22 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals. John Collins amassed 18 points and 10 rebounds while Huerter totaled 18 points, two rebounds and two blocks. Vince Carter led the bench with 14 points.
The Spurs (17-23) were led by LaMarcus Aldridge, who generated 30 points and five rebounds before fouling out. DeMar DeRozan missed a game-tying runner at the buzzer but finished with 25 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Dejounte Murray accrued 13 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals while Patty Mills led the bench with 15 points.
Atlanta has to play again on Saturday, returning home to face the Detroit Pistons. As for San Antonio, they stay home to face the Miami Heat on Sunday for their next fixture.
Mavericks defeat Trail Blazers, 120-112
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 120-112, at American Airlines Center on Friday.
While three of the four quarters were decided by one point or fewer, a 34-26 second quarter grabbed Dallas their victory. In fact, the Mavericks led by at least three points for the final three quarters of this game. Three-point shooting was the difference, with Dallas hitting 20-of-47 and Portland connecting on just 9-of-30. In addition, the Mavericks went 22-of-28 from the free-throw line while Portland hit 15-of-22.
The Trail Blazers (18-25) were led by Damian Lillard, who tallied 34 points, 10 assists and two steals. C.J. McCollum rolled his ankle in the second quarter and did not return. Hassan Whiteside generated 21 points, 18 rebounds, two assists and five blocks on 9-of-10 from the field. Carmelo Anthony accumulated 22 points and five rebounds.
The Mavericks (27-15) were led by Luka Doncic and his 35 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Tim Haraway Jr totaled 29 points and four rebounds. Maxi Kleber accrued 10 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Seth Curry led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists while Jalen Brunson dropped 13 points.
Portland has to play again on Saturday, remaining on the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. As for Dallas, they're off until Tuesday when they play host to the Los Angeles Clippers.
While three of the four quarters were decided by one point or fewer, a 34-26 second quarter grabbed Dallas their victory. In fact, the Mavericks led by at least three points for the final three quarters of this game. Three-point shooting was the difference, with Dallas hitting 20-of-47 and Portland connecting on just 9-of-30. In addition, the Mavericks went 22-of-28 from the free-throw line while Portland hit 15-of-22.
The Trail Blazers (18-25) were led by Damian Lillard, who tallied 34 points, 10 assists and two steals. C.J. McCollum rolled his ankle in the second quarter and did not return. Hassan Whiteside generated 21 points, 18 rebounds, two assists and five blocks on 9-of-10 from the field. Carmelo Anthony accumulated 22 points and five rebounds.
The Mavericks (27-15) were led by Luka Doncic and his 35 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Tim Haraway Jr totaled 29 points and four rebounds. Maxi Kleber accrued 10 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Seth Curry led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists while Jalen Brunson dropped 13 points.
Portland has to play again on Saturday, remaining on the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. As for Dallas, they're off until Tuesday when they play host to the Los Angeles Clippers.