Mavericks Hold On, Secure Win Over Magic
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Orlando Magic, 130-124, at Amway Center on Monday evening.
The Mavericks (17-16) moved above the .500 mark with a sounding victory Monday, as they endured a slow start, grabbed the lead and later held on against a combative Magic (13-22) team that showed resiliency during the entire contest. Orlando jumped out to a 33-29 lead following the first quarter, but Dallas responded back with a 32-25 score in the second quarter and a 34-28 score in the third one, meaning they held a nine-point lead heading into the final 12 minutes of play. The Magic won the final quarter by a 38-35 score, but that wasn't enough to mount a comeback and Dallas secured the victory. The Mavericks shot 52.2 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from deep in this game, while the Magic shot 49.5 percent from the field and 48.8 percent from three-point range.
Luka Doncic carried the Mavericks on offense and came close to a triple-double after finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Kristaps Porzingis chipped in with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Maxi Kleber added 13 points, while Jason Richardson contributed 11 points and four assists. Trey Burke had 11 points off the bench, while Jalen Brunson dazzled with the second unit and finished with 24 points on 9-of-13 from the field.
Nikola Vucevic had another impressive performance and neared a triple-double since he ended with 29 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, while Evan Fournier contributed 26 points, five rebounds and two assists. Michael Carter-Williams stuffed the stat sheet and ended with 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Terrence Ross also added 18 points and four boards coming off the bench.
The Mavericks (17-16) moved above the .500 mark with a sounding victory Monday, as they endured a slow start, grabbed the lead and later held on against a combative Magic (13-22) team that showed resiliency during the entire contest. Orlando jumped out to a 33-29 lead following the first quarter, but Dallas responded back with a 32-25 score in the second quarter and a 34-28 score in the third one, meaning they held a nine-point lead heading into the final 12 minutes of play. The Magic won the final quarter by a 38-35 score, but that wasn't enough to mount a comeback and Dallas secured the victory. The Mavericks shot 52.2 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from deep in this game, while the Magic shot 49.5 percent from the field and 48.8 percent from three-point range.
Luka Doncic carried the Mavericks on offense and came close to a triple-double after finishing with 33 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, while Kristaps Porzingis chipped in with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Maxi Kleber added 13 points, while Jason Richardson contributed 11 points and four assists. Trey Burke had 11 points off the bench, while Jalen Brunson dazzled with the second unit and finished with 24 points on 9-of-13 from the field.
Nikola Vucevic had another impressive performance and neared a triple-double since he ended with 29 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, while Evan Fournier contributed 26 points, five rebounds and two assists. Michael Carter-Williams stuffed the stat sheet and ended with 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Terrence Ross also added 18 points and four boards coming off the bench.
76ers Thump Pacers, 130-114
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Indiana Pacers, 130-114, at Wells Fargo Center on Monday night.
The 76ers (23-12) have been a dominant squad at home all season long, but the Pacers (15-18) looked up to the task early and ended the first quarter down just 33-32. However, Philadelphia began to exert its will prior to halftime, opening up a 17-point lead by intermission. The hosts then tacked on another 11 points to their advantage during the third quarter, essentially sealing the victory. The Sixers were locked in on offense as their final scoring tally implies, posting a 56.8 percent success rate from the floor, including 42.9 percent from three-point range.
Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 20 points, complementing them with four rebounds and four assists. Edmond Sumner delivered 18 points, three rebounds and two steals. Domantas Sabonis posted 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Justin Holiday supplied 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Myles Turner and Aaron Holiday generated matching 11-point, three-rebound tallies, with Holiday also dishing out six assists.
Shake Milton paced the 76ers with 26 points, supplementing them with four rebounds and four assists. Joel Embiid turned in a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one block. Furkan Korkmaz managed 19 points, two rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Ben Simmons delivered 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Mike Scott furnished 11 points, four rebounds and four steals.
The Pacers remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the 76ers remain home and tangle with the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night as well.
The 76ers (23-12) have been a dominant squad at home all season long, but the Pacers (15-18) looked up to the task early and ended the first quarter down just 33-32. However, Philadelphia began to exert its will prior to halftime, opening up a 17-point lead by intermission. The hosts then tacked on another 11 points to their advantage during the third quarter, essentially sealing the victory. The Sixers were locked in on offense as their final scoring tally implies, posting a 56.8 percent success rate from the floor, including 42.9 percent from three-point range.
Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 20 points, complementing them with four rebounds and four assists. Edmond Sumner delivered 18 points, three rebounds and two steals. Domantas Sabonis posted 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Justin Holiday supplied 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Myles Turner and Aaron Holiday generated matching 11-point, three-rebound tallies, with Holiday also dishing out six assists.
Shake Milton paced the 76ers with 26 points, supplementing them with four rebounds and four assists. Joel Embiid turned in a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one block. Furkan Korkmaz managed 19 points, two rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Ben Simmons delivered 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Mike Scott furnished 11 points, four rebounds and four steals.
The Pacers remain on the road and visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the 76ers remain home and tangle with the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night as well.
Pelicans Edge Jazz, 129-124
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Utah Jazz, 129-124, at Smoothie King Center on Monday night.
The Jazz (27-8) appeared to be on their way to yet another victory after an early stumble, as they overcome a three-point first-quarter deficit to take a five-point lead into halftime. Usually, Utah has put teams away this season once it's picked up some momentum, but the Pelicans (15-19) changed the dynamic of the contest in the third quarter by outscoring their visitors during the period by a 40-24 margin. The 11-point edge they took into the final period almost wasn't enough, however, as the Jazz got within one point with 47.2 seconds left before New Orleans finished on a 4-0 run to seal the win.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Jazz with 31 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, one assist and three steals. Rudy Gobert totaled 22 points, nine rebounds, one assist, five blocks and one steal. Donovan Mitchell supplied 21 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Jordan Clarkson registered 20 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Mike Conley furnished 10 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram generated matching 26-point, five-assist tallies for the Pelicans, with Williamson also pulling down 10 rebounds. Lonzo Ball turned in 23 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two blocks. J.J. Redick poured in 17 points, while Josh Hart contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Eric Bledsoe delivered 11 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Jazz remain on the road and next visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night as well.
The Jazz (27-8) appeared to be on their way to yet another victory after an early stumble, as they overcome a three-point first-quarter deficit to take a five-point lead into halftime. Usually, Utah has put teams away this season once it's picked up some momentum, but the Pelicans (15-19) changed the dynamic of the contest in the third quarter by outscoring their visitors during the period by a 40-24 margin. The 11-point edge they took into the final period almost wasn't enough, however, as the Jazz got within one point with 47.2 seconds left before New Orleans finished on a 4-0 run to seal the win.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Jazz with 31 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, one assist and three steals. Rudy Gobert totaled 22 points, nine rebounds, one assist, five blocks and one steal. Donovan Mitchell supplied 21 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Jordan Clarkson registered 20 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Mike Conley furnished 10 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram generated matching 26-point, five-assist tallies for the Pelicans, with Williamson also pulling down 10 rebounds. Lonzo Ball turned in 23 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two blocks. J.J. Redick poured in 17 points, while Josh Hart contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Eric Bledsoe delivered 11 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Jazz remain on the road and next visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night as well.
Nuggets Come Up Clutch In Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 118-112, at United Center on Monday evening.
The Nuggets got out to a great start on the road with a, 37-25, lead after one quarter. The Bulls responded in the second and cut the deficit to seven, by halftime. The Nuggets pushed their lead back to double digits early in the third, but the Bulls closed the quarter strong and cut it to a two-point game heading into the final frame. The Bulls carried the momentum into the fourth and took the lead. They held the edge for most of the quarter, until the Nuggets tied it up at 106, with three minutes to go. The Nuggets came up clutch in the final minutes, where they outscored the hosts, 12-6, to secure their second straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 39 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and a steal, in 38 minutes. Jamal Murray added 24 points, three assists, two rebounds and a block, while Michael Porter Jr. tallied 17 points, 15 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Nuggets shot 52 percent from the field, including 10-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, in 31 minutes. Coby White added 20 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Denzel Valentine chipped in 13 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Bulls shot 44 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from long range.
The Bulls (15-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday. The Nuggets (19-15) take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Tuesday.
The Nuggets got out to a great start on the road with a, 37-25, lead after one quarter. The Bulls responded in the second and cut the deficit to seven, by halftime. The Nuggets pushed their lead back to double digits early in the third, but the Bulls closed the quarter strong and cut it to a two-point game heading into the final frame. The Bulls carried the momentum into the fourth and took the lead. They held the edge for most of the quarter, until the Nuggets tied it up at 106, with three minutes to go. The Nuggets came up clutch in the final minutes, where they outscored the hosts, 12-6, to secure their second straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 39 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, two blocks and a steal, in 38 minutes. Jamal Murray added 24 points, three assists, two rebounds and a block, while Michael Porter Jr. tallied 17 points, 15 rebounds, a steal and a block. The Nuggets shot 52 percent from the field, including 10-of-27 from deep.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, in 31 minutes. Coby White added 20 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Denzel Valentine chipped in 13 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Bulls shot 44 percent from the field, including 12-of-38 from long range.
The Bulls (15-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday. The Nuggets (19-15) take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Tuesday.
Nets Top Spurs In Thriller
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host San Antonio Spurs, 124-113, at AT&T Center on Monday evening.
The Nets got out to a good start on the road and took a six-point lead after one quarter. The Spurs picked it up in the second and trimmed it to a three-point game by halftime. The Spurs continued to chip away through the third and after a couple of quick lead changes, the score was tied at 81, heading into the final fame. The Nets got out to a good start in the fourth and built a 10-point lead with two minutes left on the clock, but the Spurs mounted an impressive, 10-0 run, capped off by a buzzer-beater from Dejounte Murray, to send the game to overtime. The Nets grabbed control early in the extra period and did not look back, as they outscored the Spurs, 16-5, to secure the road win.
James Harden led the way for the Nets with 30 points, 15 assists, 14 rebounds and two steals, in 44 minutes. Kyrie Irving totaled 27 points, seven assists, six rebounds and a block, while Bruce Brown added 23 points, three rebounds and two steals. The Nets shot 47 percent from the field, including 17-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 22 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, in 42 minutes. Dejounte Murray added 19 points, eight assists and six rebounds, while Jakob Poeltl tallied 14 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Spurs shot 45 percent from the field, including 15-of-35 from long range.
The Spurs (17-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Tuesday. The Nets (23-13) take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday.
The Nets got out to a good start on the road and took a six-point lead after one quarter. The Spurs picked it up in the second and trimmed it to a three-point game by halftime. The Spurs continued to chip away through the third and after a couple of quick lead changes, the score was tied at 81, heading into the final fame. The Nets got out to a good start in the fourth and built a 10-point lead with two minutes left on the clock, but the Spurs mounted an impressive, 10-0 run, capped off by a buzzer-beater from Dejounte Murray, to send the game to overtime. The Nets grabbed control early in the extra period and did not look back, as they outscored the Spurs, 16-5, to secure the road win.
James Harden led the way for the Nets with 30 points, 15 assists, 14 rebounds and two steals, in 44 minutes. Kyrie Irving totaled 27 points, seven assists, six rebounds and a block, while Bruce Brown added 23 points, three rebounds and two steals. The Nets shot 47 percent from the field, including 17-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs with 22 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, in 42 minutes. Dejounte Murray added 19 points, eight assists and six rebounds, while Jakob Poeltl tallied 14 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Spurs shot 45 percent from the field, including 15-of-35 from long range.
The Spurs (17-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Tuesday. The Nets (23-13) take on the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday.
Cavaliers Defeat Rockets, 101-90
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Houston Rockets, 101-90, at Toyota Center on Monday.
Houston entered this game with a season-worst 11-game losing streak and Cleveland added to that here. A 34-29 first quarter in favor of the Cavaliers really carried them, holding the lead for all but a few minutes after that. In fact, they outscored the Rockets in the second half. 50-40, as well. Cleveland ended up outscoring Houston in the paint, 50-34. In addition, the Cavaliers shot 49 percent from the field while holding the Rockets to 41 percent shooting. They also out-rebounded them, 48-30, while out-assisting the Rockets, 23-13.
The Cavaliers (14-21) were led by Collin Sexton, tallying 39 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals on 12-of-20 from the field. Darius Garland amassed 14 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Jarrett Allen totaled 10 points and 15 rebounds. Cedi Osman led the bench with 11 points and five rebounds.
The Rockets (11-22) were led by John Wall and his 32 points, three rebounds and five assists. Victor Oladipo generated 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. No other player had more than eight points or two assists. Sterling Brown led the bench with eight points, five rebounds and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Cleveland returning home to face the Indiana Pacers and Houston remaining home to play James Harden and the Brooklyn Nets.
Houston entered this game with a season-worst 11-game losing streak and Cleveland added to that here. A 34-29 first quarter in favor of the Cavaliers really carried them, holding the lead for all but a few minutes after that. In fact, they outscored the Rockets in the second half. 50-40, as well. Cleveland ended up outscoring Houston in the paint, 50-34. In addition, the Cavaliers shot 49 percent from the field while holding the Rockets to 41 percent shooting. They also out-rebounded them, 48-30, while out-assisting the Rockets, 23-13.
The Cavaliers (14-21) were led by Collin Sexton, tallying 39 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two steals on 12-of-20 from the field. Darius Garland amassed 14 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Jarrett Allen totaled 10 points and 15 rebounds. Cedi Osman led the bench with 11 points and five rebounds.
The Rockets (11-22) were led by John Wall and his 32 points, three rebounds and five assists. Victor Oladipo generated 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and three steals. No other player had more than eight points or two assists. Sterling Brown led the bench with eight points, five rebounds and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Cleveland returning home to face the Indiana Pacers and Houston remaining home to play James Harden and the Brooklyn Nets.
Blazers Defeat Hornets, 123-111
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 123-111, at Moda Center on Monday.
While Charlotte led 33-27 after the first quarter, Portland won each of the final three quarters by at least three points apiece, outscoring them in the middle quarters, 65-50. That allowed the Trail Blazers to hold the lead for the entirety of the second half while leading by at least 10 points for the final nine minutes. Portland ended up shooting 54 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range while holding Charlotte to 49 percent from the field and 44 percent from long range. In addition, the Trail Blazers set a franchise record with 24 three-pointers made.
The Hornets (16-18) were led by LaMelo Ball, collecting 30 points, six rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Terry Rozier amassed 20 points, two rebounds, six assists and four steals. Cody Martin amassed eight points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Malik Monk led the bench with 19 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (18-14) were led by Carmelo Anthony, providing 29 points, three rebounds, two assists, five steals and two blocks off the bench. Damian Lillard tallied 23 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and three steals to lead the starters. Robert Covington generated 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
On deck for Portland is a home game against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. As for Charlotte, they remain on the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday as well.
While Charlotte led 33-27 after the first quarter, Portland won each of the final three quarters by at least three points apiece, outscoring them in the middle quarters, 65-50. That allowed the Trail Blazers to hold the lead for the entirety of the second half while leading by at least 10 points for the final nine minutes. Portland ended up shooting 54 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range while holding Charlotte to 49 percent from the field and 44 percent from long range. In addition, the Trail Blazers set a franchise record with 24 three-pointers made.
The Hornets (16-18) were led by LaMelo Ball, collecting 30 points, six rebounds, eight assists and four steals. Terry Rozier amassed 20 points, two rebounds, six assists and four steals. Cody Martin amassed eight points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Malik Monk led the bench with 19 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (18-14) were led by Carmelo Anthony, providing 29 points, three rebounds, two assists, five steals and two blocks off the bench. Damian Lillard tallied 23 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and three steals to lead the starters. Robert Covington generated 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
On deck for Portland is a home game against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. As for Charlotte, they remain on the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday as well.