Clippers Edge Pelicans, 133-130
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 133-130, at Smoothie King Center on Saturday afternoon.
The Clippers (30-13) checked into the contest looking to secure another win without star Paul George, who was sitting out another game with his hamstring injury. The Pelicans (16-27) were without a key piece themselves in Jrue Holiday (elbow), but it was hardly evident during a scorching first half during which they put up a whopping 80 points. However, Los Angeles put up 72 in its own right, remaining within striking distance and then managed to keep their eight-point deficit from increasing during a third quarter in which each team matched the other bucket for bucket. The visitors would ultimately stage a big comeback in the final period to take a six-point lead with as little as 31.6 seconds remaining, but J.J. Redick set himself up for a potential game-tying three-pointer by draining a 26-footer with 28.3 seconds left. However, the veteran sharpshooter would ultimately fail to find the net on that shot, sending the Clippers home with a narrow win.
Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Clippers with 39 points, adding six rebounds, six assists, five steals and one block. Lou Williams contributed 32 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Montrezl Harrell compiled 24 points, while Landry Shamet furnished 11 points, four rebounds and one assist.
Derrick Favors paced the Pelicans with a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one steal. Brandon Ingram turned in 21 points, seven boards, six assists and one steal. Redick finished with 19 points, two rebounds and two assists. Lonzo Ball contributed an 18-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that also included two steals and one block. Jaxson Hayes delivered 14 points, five boards, four assists and one block.
The Clippers next pay a visit to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans pay a visit to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday afternoon.
The Clippers (30-13) checked into the contest looking to secure another win without star Paul George, who was sitting out another game with his hamstring injury. The Pelicans (16-27) were without a key piece themselves in Jrue Holiday (elbow), but it was hardly evident during a scorching first half during which they put up a whopping 80 points. However, Los Angeles put up 72 in its own right, remaining within striking distance and then managed to keep their eight-point deficit from increasing during a third quarter in which each team matched the other bucket for bucket. The visitors would ultimately stage a big comeback in the final period to take a six-point lead with as little as 31.6 seconds remaining, but J.J. Redick set himself up for a potential game-tying three-pointer by draining a 26-footer with 28.3 seconds left. However, the veteran sharpshooter would ultimately fail to find the net on that shot, sending the Clippers home with a narrow win.
Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Clippers with 39 points, adding six rebounds, six assists, five steals and one block. Lou Williams contributed 32 points, five assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Montrezl Harrell compiled 24 points, while Landry Shamet furnished 11 points, four rebounds and one assist.
Derrick Favors paced the Pelicans with a 22-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included three assists and one steal. Brandon Ingram turned in 21 points, seven boards, six assists and one steal. Redick finished with 19 points, two rebounds and two assists. Lonzo Ball contributed an 18-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that also included two steals and one block. Jaxson Hayes delivered 14 points, five boards, four assists and one block.
The Clippers next pay a visit to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans pay a visit to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday afternoon.
Bucks Throttle Nets, 117-97
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 117-97, at Barclays Center on Saturday evening.
The Bucks (38-6) opened the game on a high note and never looked back, building a 57-42 lead by halftime. After adding another seven points to their advantage in the third quarter, Milwaukee essentially sealed the easy road win over the Nets (18-23), which shot 33.3 percent, including 30.6 percent from three-point range. In turn, the Bucks drained 50.6 percent of their attempts, with 45.9 percent of their 37 three-point tries finding the net.
Giannis Antetokoumpo led the way for the Bucks with a 29-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one steal. Khris Middleton supplied 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Brook Lopez registered 12 points, seven boards, four assists and five blocks. Wesley Matthews and Donte DiVincenzo had matching 11-point tallies, with the latter also pulling down six rebounds.
Kyrie Irving paced the Nets with 17 points, complementing them with six rebounds, six assists and four steals. Nicholas Claxton registered 14 points, six boards, one assist and three blocks. Taurean Prince furnished 13 points, two assists and one rebound. Spencer Dinwiddie managed 11 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot went for 10 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Bucks head back home to face the Chicago Bulls on Monday afternoon, while the Nets remain home to tangle with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday afternoon as well.
The Bucks (38-6) opened the game on a high note and never looked back, building a 57-42 lead by halftime. After adding another seven points to their advantage in the third quarter, Milwaukee essentially sealed the easy road win over the Nets (18-23), which shot 33.3 percent, including 30.6 percent from three-point range. In turn, the Bucks drained 50.6 percent of their attempts, with 45.9 percent of their 37 three-point tries finding the net.
Giannis Antetokoumpo led the way for the Bucks with a 29-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one steal. Khris Middleton supplied 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Brook Lopez registered 12 points, seven boards, four assists and five blocks. Wesley Matthews and Donte DiVincenzo had matching 11-point tallies, with the latter also pulling down six rebounds.
Kyrie Irving paced the Nets with 17 points, complementing them with six rebounds, six assists and four steals. Nicholas Claxton registered 14 points, six boards, one assist and three blocks. Taurean Prince furnished 13 points, two assists and one rebound. Spencer Dinwiddie managed 11 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot went for 10 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Bucks head back home to face the Chicago Bulls on Monday afternoon, while the Nets remain home to tangle with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday afternoon as well.
Suns Get Past Celtics, 123-119
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Boston Celtics, 123-119, at TD Garden on Saturday night.
The Suns (18-24) caught a break when both Kemba Walker (knee) and Jaylen Brown (thumb) were announced as out for the Celtics (27-14). Phoenix took advantage of their depleted opponents early, taking a 60-51 lead into halftime. After they made it a double-digit advantage by tacking on another two points to their edge during the third, the visitors looked well-positioned for a road victory. However, Boston clawed all the way back to get to within 121-119 with 5.5 seconds remaining after a Jayson Tatum three-pointer. Devin Booker, who once again victimized the Celtics to the tune of a game-high 39 points, then sunk a pair of subsequent free throws to snuff out the comeback effort for good.
Booker added 10 rebounds, nine assists and two steals to his aforementioned scoring tally. Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton checked in with matching 26-point efforts, with Ayton also pulling down 15 rebounds. Dario Saric generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Ricky Rubio contributed eight points, nine assists, five rebounds and one steal.
Marcus Smart paced the Celtics with 37 points, complementing them with eight assists, five boards and four steals. Tatum turned in a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double that also featured two assists, three steals and one block. Gordon Hayward delivered 22 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Daniel Theis supplied 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal.
The Suns head back home to take on the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, while the Celtics are home versus the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night as well.
The Suns (18-24) caught a break when both Kemba Walker (knee) and Jaylen Brown (thumb) were announced as out for the Celtics (27-14). Phoenix took advantage of their depleted opponents early, taking a 60-51 lead into halftime. After they made it a double-digit advantage by tacking on another two points to their edge during the third, the visitors looked well-positioned for a road victory. However, Boston clawed all the way back to get to within 121-119 with 5.5 seconds remaining after a Jayson Tatum three-pointer. Devin Booker, who once again victimized the Celtics to the tune of a game-high 39 points, then sunk a pair of subsequent free throws to snuff out the comeback effort for good.
Booker added 10 rebounds, nine assists and two steals to his aforementioned scoring tally. Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton checked in with matching 26-point efforts, with Ayton also pulling down 15 rebounds. Dario Saric generated a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Ricky Rubio contributed eight points, nine assists, five rebounds and one steal.
Marcus Smart paced the Celtics with 37 points, complementing them with eight assists, five boards and four steals. Tatum turned in a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double that also featured two assists, three steals and one block. Gordon Hayward delivered 22 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Daniel Theis supplied 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal.
The Suns head back home to take on the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, while the Celtics are home versus the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night as well.
Pistons Dominate Hawks
By Dan Bruno
The Detroit Pistons defeated the host Atlanta Hawks, 136-103, at State Farm Arena on Saturday evening.
The Pistons got out to a good start on the road and led 36-29 after one quarter. They carried the momentum into the second, where they pushed their lead to double digits and took a 16-point lead by halftime. The Hawks had no answer in the third, as they were outscored by 11 points in the quarter and trailed by 27 points, heading into the final frame. The Pistons left nothing to chance, as they fought hard the rest of the way, outscoring the Hawks again in the fourth quarter, to seal their second straight win. This marks the end of a two-game win streak for Atlanta.
Derrick Rose got the start and led the Pistons with 27 points, nine assists, two rebounds and a steal, in 26 minutes. Svi Mykhailiuk added 25 points, three assists, two rebounds, a steal and a block, while Markieff tallied 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting, off the bench. The Pistons shot 59 percent from the field, including 15-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, John Collins led the Hawks with 20 points and five rebounds. Trae Young added 16 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while De'Andre Hunter chipped in 19 points, five rebounds and three assists. The Hawks shot 43 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
The Hawks (10-33) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Monday. The Pistons (16-27) take on the Wizards in Washington on Monday.
The Pistons got out to a good start on the road and led 36-29 after one quarter. They carried the momentum into the second, where they pushed their lead to double digits and took a 16-point lead by halftime. The Hawks had no answer in the third, as they were outscored by 11 points in the quarter and trailed by 27 points, heading into the final frame. The Pistons left nothing to chance, as they fought hard the rest of the way, outscoring the Hawks again in the fourth quarter, to seal their second straight win. This marks the end of a two-game win streak for Atlanta.
Derrick Rose got the start and led the Pistons with 27 points, nine assists, two rebounds and a steal, in 26 minutes. Svi Mykhailiuk added 25 points, three assists, two rebounds, a steal and a block, while Markieff tallied 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting, off the bench. The Pistons shot 59 percent from the field, including 15-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, John Collins led the Hawks with 20 points and five rebounds. Trae Young added 16 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while De'Andre Hunter chipped in 19 points, five rebounds and three assists. The Hawks shot 43 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
The Hawks (10-33) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Monday. The Pistons (16-27) take on the Wizards in Washington on Monday.
76ers Squeak By Knicks, 90-87
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks, 90-87, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
The 76ers (28-16) were once again forced to take the court without Joel Embiid (finger), but they seemed to be holding their own against the Knicks (11-32) early on. Philadelphia established a 52-46 halftime edge, but the lack of sufficient cushion came back to bite the visitors in the second half. New York shaved all but one point from its deficit during the third quarter, and they owned an 87-86 lead with as little as 31.3 seconds remaining before Tobias Harris and Furkan Korkmaz the 76ers back on top for good with a three-pointer and free throw, respectively. Marcus Morris then missed would-be game-tying 40-footer with just over a second left, sealing the loss for the home squad.
Ben Simmons led the 76ers with 21 points, adding eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals. Josh Richardson delivered 18 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Korkmaz poured in 17 points, while Harris supplied 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Morris paced the Knicks with 20 points, complementing them with six boards and three assists. Julius Randle and Reggie Bullock managed matching 14-point tallies, with Randle also pulling down 12 rebounds. Taj Gibson provided 11 points and four boards, while Elfrid Payton turned in 10 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block.
The 76ers travel to face the Brooklyn Nets on Monday afternoon, while the Knicks visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday afternoon as well.
The 76ers (28-16) were once again forced to take the court without Joel Embiid (finger), but they seemed to be holding their own against the Knicks (11-32) early on. Philadelphia established a 52-46 halftime edge, but the lack of sufficient cushion came back to bite the visitors in the second half. New York shaved all but one point from its deficit during the third quarter, and they owned an 87-86 lead with as little as 31.3 seconds remaining before Tobias Harris and Furkan Korkmaz the 76ers back on top for good with a three-pointer and free throw, respectively. Marcus Morris then missed would-be game-tying 40-footer with just over a second left, sealing the loss for the home squad.
Ben Simmons led the 76ers with 21 points, adding eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals. Josh Richardson delivered 18 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and one block. Korkmaz poured in 17 points, while Harris supplied 15 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Morris paced the Knicks with 20 points, complementing them with six boards and three assists. Julius Randle and Reggie Bullock managed matching 14-point tallies, with Randle also pulling down 12 rebounds. Taj Gibson provided 11 points and four boards, while Elfrid Payton turned in 10 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block.
The 76ers travel to face the Brooklyn Nets on Monday afternoon, while the Knicks visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday afternoon as well.
Bulls Defeat Cavaliers, 118-116
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 118-116, at United Center on Saturday.
While Cleveland got out to a game-high 17-point lead late in the third quarter, this game wasn't decided until the final seconds. In fact, Cleveland got out to that big lead thanks to a 40-25 third quarter but a 21-5 run to start the fourth quarter helped Chicago to recapture the lead with five minutes remaining. After that, there were numerous lead changes, with Cleveland missing a game-winning jumper with 2.7 seconds left. In total, there were 16 lead changes with Chicago riding a 31-14 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. The 16 steals recorded by Chicago was the difference in the game, winning the turnover differential, 25-12.
The Bulls (16-28) were led by Zach LaVine and his 42 points, six rebounds, three assists, five steals and two blocks. Lauri Markkanen amassed 17 points, three rebounds and two steals. Luke Kornet accrued 11 points, three rebounds and four assists. Coby White led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Cavaliers (12-31) were led by Kevin Love, who collected 29 points, five rebounds and six assists. Collin Sexton totaled 26 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Cedi Osman generated 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. Darius Garland had eight turnovers but still provided 16 points, two rebounds and five assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Cleveland returning home to face the New York Knicks and Chicago staying on the road to play the Milwaukee Bucks.
While Cleveland got out to a game-high 17-point lead late in the third quarter, this game wasn't decided until the final seconds. In fact, Cleveland got out to that big lead thanks to a 40-25 third quarter but a 21-5 run to start the fourth quarter helped Chicago to recapture the lead with five minutes remaining. After that, there were numerous lead changes, with Cleveland missing a game-winning jumper with 2.7 seconds left. In total, there were 16 lead changes with Chicago riding a 31-14 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. The 16 steals recorded by Chicago was the difference in the game, winning the turnover differential, 25-12.
The Bulls (16-28) were led by Zach LaVine and his 42 points, six rebounds, three assists, five steals and two blocks. Lauri Markkanen amassed 17 points, three rebounds and two steals. Luke Kornet accrued 11 points, three rebounds and four assists. Coby White led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The Cavaliers (12-31) were led by Kevin Love, who collected 29 points, five rebounds and six assists. Collin Sexton totaled 26 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Cedi Osman generated 16 points, three rebounds and two assists. Darius Garland had eight turnovers but still provided 16 points, two rebounds and five assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Cleveland returning home to face the New York Knicks and Chicago staying on the road to play the Milwaukee Bucks.
Raptors Rally For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 122-112, at Target Center on Saturday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start, with the Timberwolves holding a 39-32 lead after one quarter. They held the lead through most of the second, but the Raptors whittled down to a four-point game by halftime. The Raptors came out with the momentum in the third and outscored the hosts by nine points in the quarter, to take five-point lead into the final frame. The Raptors came out on fire in the fourth and pushed their lead to 22, with six minutes to go in the contest. They held on from there to earn their third straight win, while this marks the fifth straight loss for the Timberwolves.
Fred VanVleet led the Raptors in his first game back from injury, with 29 points, four rebounds, four steals and two assists, in 28 minutes. Kyle Lowry added 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Norman Powell chipped in 20 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. The Raptors shot 52 percent from the field, including 13-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jarrett Culver led the Timberwolves with 26 points, four rebounds, two blocks, an assist and a steal. Andrew Wiggins totalled 18 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and a steal, while Robert Covington added 22 points, eight rebounds and two steals. The Timberwolves shot 40 percent from the field, including 14-of-50 from long range.
The Timberwolves (15-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Monday. The Raptors (28-14) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Monday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start, with the Timberwolves holding a 39-32 lead after one quarter. They held the lead through most of the second, but the Raptors whittled down to a four-point game by halftime. The Raptors came out with the momentum in the third and outscored the hosts by nine points in the quarter, to take five-point lead into the final frame. The Raptors came out on fire in the fourth and pushed their lead to 22, with six minutes to go in the contest. They held on from there to earn their third straight win, while this marks the fifth straight loss for the Timberwolves.
Fred VanVleet led the Raptors in his first game back from injury, with 29 points, four rebounds, four steals and two assists, in 28 minutes. Kyle Lowry added 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Norman Powell chipped in 20 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. The Raptors shot 52 percent from the field, including 13-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jarrett Culver led the Timberwolves with 26 points, four rebounds, two blocks, an assist and a steal. Andrew Wiggins totalled 18 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds and a steal, while Robert Covington added 22 points, eight rebounds and two steals. The Timberwolves shot 40 percent from the field, including 14-of-50 from long range.
The Timberwolves (15-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Monday. The Raptors (28-14) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Monday.
Warriors Close Strong To Stop Magic
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 109-95, at Chase Center on Saturday evening.
The Magic got out to a great start on the road with an early 13-0 lead, but the Warriors came surging back to take a three-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The Warriors held the edge through most of the second quarter, but the Magic trimmed it to a one-point game by halftime. The Warriors turned it up in the third quarter and outscored the hosts by 10 points, to take an 11-point lead into the final frame. The Magic kept up the fight and cut it back to a one-point game, halfway through the quarter. They momentarily grabbed a one-point advantage, but the Warriors outscored the Magic 19-4 over the final four minutes, to seal the win.
D'Angelo Russell led the Warriors with 26 points, 12 assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 34 minutes. Eric Paschall added 20 points, nine rebounds and two steals, while Jordan Poole tallied 21 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, off the bench. The Warriors shot 46 percent from the field, including 12-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 23 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Nikola Vucevic added 13 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Evan Fournier finished with 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Magic shot 45 percent from the field, including 9-of-31 from long range.
The Magic (20-23) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Monday. The Warriors (10-34) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday.
The Magic got out to a great start on the road with an early 13-0 lead, but the Warriors came surging back to take a three-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The Warriors held the edge through most of the second quarter, but the Magic trimmed it to a one-point game by halftime. The Warriors turned it up in the third quarter and outscored the hosts by 10 points, to take an 11-point lead into the final frame. The Magic kept up the fight and cut it back to a one-point game, halfway through the quarter. They momentarily grabbed a one-point advantage, but the Warriors outscored the Magic 19-4 over the final four minutes, to seal the win.
D'Angelo Russell led the Warriors with 26 points, 12 assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 34 minutes. Eric Paschall added 20 points, nine rebounds and two steals, while Jordan Poole tallied 21 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, off the bench. The Warriors shot 46 percent from the field, including 12-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Markelle Fultz led the Magic with 23 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Nikola Vucevic added 13 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Evan Fournier finished with 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Magic shot 45 percent from the field, including 9-of-31 from long range.
The Magic (20-23) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Monday. The Warriors (10-34) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Monday.
Lakers Defeat Rockets, 124-115
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Houston Rockets, 124-115, at Toyota Center on Saturday.
While Houston led by six points at the half, Los Angeles rode a 32-17 third quarter to take control. In fact, that allowed them to lead by at least seven points for the final 15 minutes of play. The Lakers ended up shooting 48 percent from the field while holding the Rockets to just 44 percent shooting. In addition, Los Angeles recorded five more assists than Houston while committing three fewer turnovers. Much of that can be attributed to the 13 steals and nine blocks recorded by the Lakers with the Rockets having just 12 combined.
The Lakers (34-9) were led by LeBron James, who tallied 31 points, five rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Kyle Kuzma generated 23 points and eight rebounds. Danny Green totaled 21 points, five rebounds and four steals while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the bench with 20 points, three rebounds and four assists. JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard combined for 15 points, 18 rebounds and six blocks.
The Rockets (26-15) were led by Russell Westbrook and his 35 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals. James Harden accumulated 34 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Clint Capela accrued eight points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Eric Gordon led the bench with 13 points and three rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Boston Celtics and Houston remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While Houston led by six points at the half, Los Angeles rode a 32-17 third quarter to take control. In fact, that allowed them to lead by at least seven points for the final 15 minutes of play. The Lakers ended up shooting 48 percent from the field while holding the Rockets to just 44 percent shooting. In addition, Los Angeles recorded five more assists than Houston while committing three fewer turnovers. Much of that can be attributed to the 13 steals and nine blocks recorded by the Lakers with the Rockets having just 12 combined.
The Lakers (34-9) were led by LeBron James, who tallied 31 points, five rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Kyle Kuzma generated 23 points and eight rebounds. Danny Green totaled 21 points, five rebounds and four steals while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the bench with 20 points, three rebounds and four assists. JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard combined for 15 points, 18 rebounds and six blocks.
The Rockets (26-15) were led by Russell Westbrook and his 35 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals. James Harden accumulated 34 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Clint Capela accrued eight points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Eric Gordon led the bench with 13 points and three rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Boston Celtics and Houston remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Thunder Defeat Trail Blazers, 119-106
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 119-106, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Saturday.
A 32-24 first quarter really set the tone for Oklahoma City in this game, never relinquishing the lead after that. In addition, the Thunder held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City ended up shooting 52 percent from the field while holding Portland to just 43 percent shooting. In addition, the Thunder won the defensive rebounding battle, 36-28, while out-assisting the Trail Blazers, 25-11
The Trail Blazers (18-26) were led by Damian Lillard, who totaled 34 points and six assists. Hassan Whiteside amassed six points, nine rebounds and four blocks. Gary Trent Jr was huge off the bench, providing 30 points, five rebounds and three steals. Carmelo Anthony had just nine points and four boards on 4-of-13 shooting.
The Thunder (24-19) were led by Chris Paul and his 30 points, four rebounds and seven assists on 11-of-15 from the field. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Darius Bazley got a rare start and accrued nine points and 13 rebounds. Nerlens Noel and Dennis Schroder led the bench with 15 points apiece.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup versus the Houston Rockets on Monday. Portland also returns to action on Monday, facing the Golden State Warriors at home.
A 32-24 first quarter really set the tone for Oklahoma City in this game, never relinquishing the lead after that. In addition, the Thunder held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City ended up shooting 52 percent from the field while holding Portland to just 43 percent shooting. In addition, the Thunder won the defensive rebounding battle, 36-28, while out-assisting the Trail Blazers, 25-11
The Trail Blazers (18-26) were led by Damian Lillard, who totaled 34 points and six assists. Hassan Whiteside amassed six points, nine rebounds and four blocks. Gary Trent Jr was huge off the bench, providing 30 points, five rebounds and three steals. Carmelo Anthony had just nine points and four boards on 4-of-13 shooting.
The Thunder (24-19) were led by Chris Paul and his 30 points, four rebounds and seven assists on 11-of-15 from the field. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Darius Bazley got a rare start and accrued nine points and 13 rebounds. Nerlens Noel and Dennis Schroder led the bench with 15 points apiece.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup versus the Houston Rockets on Monday. Portland also returns to action on Monday, facing the Golden State Warriors at home.
Jazz Defeat Kings, 123-101
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 123-101, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Saturday.
A 38-22 first quarter really set the tone for Utah in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion, In fact, the Jazz held a double-digit lead for the final three quarters of this game. Free-throw shooting was the difference, with Utah hitting 23-of-24 and Sacramento connecting on just 7-of-12. In addition, the Jazz won the rebounding battle, 47-37.
The Kings (15-27) were led by De'Aaron Fox and his 21 points, four rebounds and eight assists on 10-of-16 shooting. Marvin Bagley III amassed 17 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Buddy Hield accrued 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Jazz (29-13) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, who dropped 30 points on 10-of-15 from the field. Rudy Gobert generated 28 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Donovan Mitchell totaled 22 points, four rebounds and two assists. Joe Ingles scored just two points but provided nine rebounds and 12 assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 20 points.
Both teams return to action on Monday against Eastern Conference foes, with Utah remaining home to face the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento staying on the road to play the Miami Heat.
A 38-22 first quarter really set the tone for Utah in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion, In fact, the Jazz held a double-digit lead for the final three quarters of this game. Free-throw shooting was the difference, with Utah hitting 23-of-24 and Sacramento connecting on just 7-of-12. In addition, the Jazz won the rebounding battle, 47-37.
The Kings (15-27) were led by De'Aaron Fox and his 21 points, four rebounds and eight assists on 10-of-16 shooting. Marvin Bagley III amassed 17 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Buddy Hield accrued 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Jazz (29-13) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic, who dropped 30 points on 10-of-15 from the field. Rudy Gobert generated 28 points, 15 rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Donovan Mitchell totaled 22 points, four rebounds and two assists. Joe Ingles scored just two points but provided nine rebounds and 12 assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 20 points.
Both teams return to action on Monday against Eastern Conference foes, with Utah remaining home to face the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento staying on the road to play the Miami Heat.