Hornets Hold On, Top Pistons
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Detroit Pistons, 105-102, at Spectrum Center on Thursday evening.
The Hornets (18-18) finally reached the. 500 threshold with a strong performance against the Pistons (10-27), who continue to post one of the worst records in The Association. The Hornets quickly jumped out to a 30-22 lead in the first quarter and never lost control of the game the rest of the way. The Hornets further extended their lead by one more point at the break, and while the Pistons attempted a comeback in the second half following a 33-25 score in the third quarter, Charlotte closed things out in the final 12 minutes of action with a 32-30 score in the fourth. It was a tight game, but the Hornets secured a huge win at home. The Hornets shot 40 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range, while the Pistons shot 44.7 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from deep.
P.J. Washington led the way for the Hornets with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier each had 17 points -- Hayward also added three rebounds and three assists, while Rozier also had two dimes. Cody Zeller also made his presence felt with 15 points and seven rebounds. La Eli Ball only had seven points, but he also added five boards and nine assists.
Jerami Grant made a huge impact for the losing side since he had 32 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Saddiq Bey had 14 points and three boards, while Svi Mykhaliuk ended with 11 points, eight assists and four boards. No other Detroit player had more than 10 points in this game as the offense struggled at times. Mason Plumlee finished with nine points, eight boards and three assists.
The Hornets (18-18) finally reached the. 500 threshold with a strong performance against the Pistons (10-27), who continue to post one of the worst records in The Association. The Hornets quickly jumped out to a 30-22 lead in the first quarter and never lost control of the game the rest of the way. The Hornets further extended their lead by one more point at the break, and while the Pistons attempted a comeback in the second half following a 33-25 score in the third quarter, Charlotte closed things out in the final 12 minutes of action with a 32-30 score in the fourth. It was a tight game, but the Hornets secured a huge win at home. The Hornets shot 40 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range, while the Pistons shot 44.7 percent from the field and 32.6 percent from deep.
P.J. Washington led the way for the Hornets with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier each had 17 points -- Hayward also added three rebounds and three assists, while Rozier also had two dimes. Cody Zeller also made his presence felt with 15 points and seven rebounds. La Eli Ball only had seven points, but he also added five boards and nine assists.
Jerami Grant made a huge impact for the losing side since he had 32 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Saddiq Bey had 14 points and three boards, while Svi Mykhaliuk ended with 11 points, eight assists and four boards. No other Detroit player had more than 10 points in this game as the offense struggled at times. Mason Plumlee finished with nine points, eight boards and three assists.
Nets Use Strong Fourth Quarter, Defeat Celtics
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Boston Celtics, 121-109, at Barclays Center on Thursday night.
The Nets (25-13) continue to show why they are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference and didn't have problems to defeat the Celtics (19-18), a team that was coming off four straight wins prior to the All-Star break. Brooklyn got off to a slow start, however, and Boston jumped out to a 29-23 lead in the first quarter. The Nets responded quickly with a 35-26 score in the second quarter, meaning they grabbed a three-point lead at the break. Boston recorded a 31-30 lead after the third quarter so the final 12 minutes were tough, but Brooklyn took advantage of that and out scored the Celtics by a 33-23 score, ultimately cruising their way to a confortable win. Brooklyn shot 47.7 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from deep, while Boston shot 45.1 percent from the field but only a meager 32.5 percent from deep.
Kyrie Irving had one of his best games in recent memory and finished with 40 points while also adding eight boards and three dimes. James Garden ended with 22 points and 10 boards while also adding eight assists. Joe Harris had 12 points as well. Landry Shamet made an impact off the bench with 18 points despite not starting, while Jeff Green ended with 11 points, three boards and three assists.
Jayson Tatum carried the Celtics offensively with a 31-point output while also adding five rebounds and three assists, while Daniel Theis had 17 points and eight rebounds. Jaylen Brown had 12 points but struggled badly from the field since he ended with five shots made out of 23 attempts. Kemba Walker had 11 points. Marcus Smart came off the bench and thrived with 19 points in 21 minutes off the bench.
The Nets (25-13) continue to show why they are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference and didn't have problems to defeat the Celtics (19-18), a team that was coming off four straight wins prior to the All-Star break. Brooklyn got off to a slow start, however, and Boston jumped out to a 29-23 lead in the first quarter. The Nets responded quickly with a 35-26 score in the second quarter, meaning they grabbed a three-point lead at the break. Boston recorded a 31-30 lead after the third quarter so the final 12 minutes were tough, but Brooklyn took advantage of that and out scored the Celtics by a 33-23 score, ultimately cruising their way to a confortable win. Brooklyn shot 47.7 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from deep, while Boston shot 45.1 percent from the field but only a meager 32.5 percent from deep.
Kyrie Irving had one of his best games in recent memory and finished with 40 points while also adding eight boards and three dimes. James Garden ended with 22 points and 10 boards while also adding eight assists. Joe Harris had 12 points as well. Landry Shamet made an impact off the bench with 18 points despite not starting, while Jeff Green ended with 11 points, three boards and three assists.
Jayson Tatum carried the Celtics offensively with a 31-point output while also adding five rebounds and three assists, while Daniel Theis had 17 points and eight rebounds. Jaylen Brown had 12 points but struggled badly from the field since he ended with five shots made out of 23 attempts. Kemba Walker had 11 points. Marcus Smart came off the bench and thrived with 19 points in 21 minutes off the bench.
Hawks Edge Raptors, 121-120
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Toronto Raptors, 121-120, at Amalie Arena on Thursday night.
The Hawks (17-20) likely didn't think they'd be sweating Thursday's game out until the very last shot through the first quarter, as they emerged from the opening period with a 37-26 lead over the Raptors (17-20). However, Toronto was able to shave five points from its deficit prior to halftime, and thanks to a spectacular third quarter, they'd built a nine-point edge going into the fourth quarter. Atlanta wouldn't be deterred, however, going on a 24-8 run over the final 5:56 that was capped by Tony Snell's 25-footer at the buzzer.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 37 points, complementing them with six assists, five rebounds and one block. Danilo Gallinari furnished 20 points, five boards, one assist and two steals. Kevin Huerter delivered 19 points, four rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. John Collins supplied 13 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Clint Capela mustered nine points, 18 rebounds, five blocks and one steal.
Norman Powell paced the Raptors with 33 points, adding four assists and three rebounds. Chris Boucher managed 29 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Kyle Lowry generated a 17-point, 12-assist double-double that also included six rebounds. Aron Baynes and Stanley Johnson posted 11 points each while pulling down 15 and four rebounds, respectively.
The Hawks head back home to face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night, while the Raptors visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night as well.
The Hawks (17-20) likely didn't think they'd be sweating Thursday's game out until the very last shot through the first quarter, as they emerged from the opening period with a 37-26 lead over the Raptors (17-20). However, Toronto was able to shave five points from its deficit prior to halftime, and thanks to a spectacular third quarter, they'd built a nine-point edge going into the fourth quarter. Atlanta wouldn't be deterred, however, going on a 24-8 run over the final 5:56 that was capped by Tony Snell's 25-footer at the buzzer.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 37 points, complementing them with six assists, five rebounds and one block. Danilo Gallinari furnished 20 points, five boards, one assist and two steals. Kevin Huerter delivered 19 points, four rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. John Collins supplied 13 points, eight rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Clint Capela mustered nine points, 18 rebounds, five blocks and one steal.
Norman Powell paced the Raptors with 33 points, adding four assists and three rebounds. Chris Boucher managed 29 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Kyle Lowry generated a 17-point, 12-assist double-double that also included six rebounds. Aron Baynes and Stanley Johnson posted 11 points each while pulling down 15 and four rebounds, respectively.
The Hawks head back home to face the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night, while the Raptors visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night as well.
Timberwolves Come From Behind, Top Pelicans
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 135-105, at Smoothie King Center on Thursday night.
The Timberwolves (8-29) endured a slow start but found a way to turn things around and defeated the Pelicans (15-22) by a 30-point margin -- the win was far more comfortable than what anyone could have expected. New Orleans jumped out to a 34-27 lead in the first quarter and looked dominant early on, but the Timberwolves responded with a 40-26 second quarter that set the tone of the game for the rest of the way. Minnesota also won the third quarter by a 38-22 score and ran away with the game, so New Orleans didn't hace chances to mount a comeback. The Timberwolves won the final 12 minutes by a sizable 30-23 margin, so Minnesota won the game easily. Minnesota shot 53.7 percent from the field and 47.5 percent from deep, while the Pelicans shot 43 percent from the field and a meager 18.8 percent from deep.
Anthony Edwards carried the Timberwolves offensively with 27 points and four boards while shooting 10-for-22 from the field, while Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with 16 points and seven rebounds. Jake Leyman had 12 points in a spot start for him, while Jaden McDaniels added 20 points off the bench. Surprisingly, Jaylen Nowell led Minnesota in scoring with 28 points off the bench while shooting 11-for-13 from the field.
Six Pelicans players scored in double digits but Zion Williamson led the way with 25 points and five boards. Brandon Ingram and Steven Adams each had matching 13-point tallies, but Adams also had 12 rebounds the rest of the way. Jaxson Hayes and Kira Lewis Jr. each had 11 points, but Lewis still delivered vLue. Lonzo Ball had 10 points and seven assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 10 points and four boards off the bench.
The Timberwolves (8-29) endured a slow start but found a way to turn things around and defeated the Pelicans (15-22) by a 30-point margin -- the win was far more comfortable than what anyone could have expected. New Orleans jumped out to a 34-27 lead in the first quarter and looked dominant early on, but the Timberwolves responded with a 40-26 second quarter that set the tone of the game for the rest of the way. Minnesota also won the third quarter by a 38-22 score and ran away with the game, so New Orleans didn't hace chances to mount a comeback. The Timberwolves won the final 12 minutes by a sizable 30-23 margin, so Minnesota won the game easily. Minnesota shot 53.7 percent from the field and 47.5 percent from deep, while the Pelicans shot 43 percent from the field and a meager 18.8 percent from deep.
Anthony Edwards carried the Timberwolves offensively with 27 points and four boards while shooting 10-for-22 from the field, while Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with 16 points and seven rebounds. Jake Leyman had 12 points in a spot start for him, while Jaden McDaniels added 20 points off the bench. Surprisingly, Jaylen Nowell led Minnesota in scoring with 28 points off the bench while shooting 11-for-13 from the field.
Six Pelicans players scored in double digits but Zion Williamson led the way with 25 points and five boards. Brandon Ingram and Steven Adams each had matching 13-point tallies, but Adams also had 12 rebounds the rest of the way. Jaxson Hayes and Kira Lewis Jr. each had 11 points, but Lewis still delivered vLue. Lonzo Ball had 10 points and seven assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 10 points and four boards off the bench.
76ers Topple Bulls, 127-105
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 127-105, at United Center on Thursday night.
The 76ers (25-12) came into the contest at a marked disadvantage, as they were without Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons due to COVID-19 protocols. However, they hit the ground running and emerged from the first quarter with a 30-23 lead. Philadelphia still maintained the same edge going into halftime, and when they added another five points to their advantage in the third period, they were on their way to a comfortable win. Doc Rivers' squad impressively rallied together despite missing their two best players, as they mustered a total of seven different double-digit scoring performances.
Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 24 points, supplementing them with four assists and three rebounds. Dwight Howard followed with an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two blocks and one steal. Furkan Korkmaz registered 16 points, four assists, one rebound and three steals. Tony Bradley delivered 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Matisse Thybulle provided 13 points, four rebounds, one assist and five steals. Seth Curry totaled 12 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Shake Milton managed 10 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block.
Lauri Markkanen paced the Bulls with 23 points, complementing them with four rebounds and one block. Zach LaVine posted 19 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Coby White turned in 18 points, four assists and two rebounds. Thaddeus Young supplied 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The 76ers are right back in action against the Washington Wizards on Friday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Miami Heat on Friday evening.
The 76ers (25-12) came into the contest at a marked disadvantage, as they were without Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons due to COVID-19 protocols. However, they hit the ground running and emerged from the first quarter with a 30-23 lead. Philadelphia still maintained the same edge going into halftime, and when they added another five points to their advantage in the third period, they were on their way to a comfortable win. Doc Rivers' squad impressively rallied together despite missing their two best players, as they mustered a total of seven different double-digit scoring performances.
Tobias Harris led the 76ers with 24 points, supplementing them with four assists and three rebounds. Dwight Howard followed with an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two blocks and one steal. Furkan Korkmaz registered 16 points, four assists, one rebound and three steals. Tony Bradley delivered 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Matisse Thybulle provided 13 points, four rebounds, one assist and five steals. Seth Curry totaled 12 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Shake Milton managed 10 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block.
Lauri Markkanen paced the Bulls with 23 points, complementing them with four rebounds and one block. Zach LaVine posted 19 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Coby White turned in 18 points, four assists and two rebounds. Thaddeus Young supplied 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The 76ers are right back in action against the Washington Wizards on Friday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Miami Heat on Friday evening.
Heat Get Past Magic, 111-103
The Miami Heat defeated the Orlando Magic, 111-103, at American Airlines Arena on Thursday night.
The Magic (13-24), perhaps buoyed by the return of star forward Aaron Gordon after an extended absence due to an ankle injury, came out of the gates hot, building a two-point lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Heat (19-18) took a measure of control in the second, erasing their narrow deficit and building a five-point halftime advantage. The see-saw nature of the contest persisted in a third quarter where Orlando impressively outscored Miami, 24-19, but a subsequent 8-0 run by the hosts between the 5:27 and 2:34 marks of the final period created the necessary separation for the relatively comfortable win.
Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with a 24-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Dwayne Bacon managed 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Michael Carter-Williams delivered 17 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal. Gordon and Chasson Randle generated matching nine-point, two-rebound tallies.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with a 27-point, 11-assist double-double that also included eight rebounds, three steals and one block. Kelly Olynyk followed with 20 points, seven boards, two assists, two steals and one block. Tyler Herro supplied 17 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Kendrick Nunn furnished 13 points, while Goran Dragic compiled 11 points, five assists and three rebounds.
The Magic remain on the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Heat travel to Chicago and face the Bulls on Friday night as well.
The Magic (13-24), perhaps buoyed by the return of star forward Aaron Gordon after an extended absence due to an ankle injury, came out of the gates hot, building a two-point lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Heat (19-18) took a measure of control in the second, erasing their narrow deficit and building a five-point halftime advantage. The see-saw nature of the contest persisted in a third quarter where Orlando impressively outscored Miami, 24-19, but a subsequent 8-0 run by the hosts between the 5:27 and 2:34 marks of the final period created the necessary separation for the relatively comfortable win.
Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with a 24-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Dwayne Bacon managed 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Michael Carter-Williams delivered 17 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal. Gordon and Chasson Randle generated matching nine-point, two-rebound tallies.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with a 27-point, 11-assist double-double that also included eight rebounds, three steals and one block. Kelly Olynyk followed with 20 points, seven boards, two assists, two steals and one block. Tyler Herro supplied 17 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Kendrick Nunn furnished 13 points, while Goran Dragic compiled 11 points, five assists and three rebounds.
The Magic remain on the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Heat travel to Chicago and face the Bulls on Friday night as well.
Bucks Dominate Knicks In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 134-101, at Fiserv Forum on Thursday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start, with the Bucks holding a, 32-27, lead after one quarter. The Knicks kept it close to start the second, but the Bucks closed the quarter on a, 24-9, run to take a 17-point lead into halftime. The Bucks stayed in control through the third and kept their lead above 20 for much of the quarter. The Knicks had no answers in the fourth, as the Bucks pushed their lead as high as 38 points, on their way to the home win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, a steal and a block, in 29 minutes. Bryn Forbes followed up with 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting, while Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez added 14 points each. The Bucks shot 57 percent from the field, including 18-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, R.J. Barrett led the Knicks with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 28 minutes. Alec Burks added 17 points, eight assists and three rebounds, while Immanuel Quickley tallied 15 points, while shooting 3-of-10 from the field. The Knicks shot 41 percent from the field, including 13-of-37 from long range.
The Knicks (19-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Saturday. The Bucks (23-14) take on the Wizards in Washington on Saturday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start, with the Bucks holding a, 32-27, lead after one quarter. The Knicks kept it close to start the second, but the Bucks closed the quarter on a, 24-9, run to take a 17-point lead into halftime. The Bucks stayed in control through the third and kept their lead above 20 for much of the quarter. The Knicks had no answers in the fourth, as the Bucks pushed their lead as high as 38 points, on their way to the home win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 24 points on 8-of-12 shooting, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, a steal and a block, in 29 minutes. Bryn Forbes followed up with 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting, while Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez added 14 points each. The Bucks shot 57 percent from the field, including 18-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, R.J. Barrett led the Knicks with 22 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 28 minutes. Alec Burks added 17 points, eight assists and three rebounds, while Immanuel Quickley tallied 15 points, while shooting 3-of-10 from the field. The Knicks shot 41 percent from the field, including 13-of-37 from long range.
The Knicks (19-19) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Saturday. The Bucks (23-14) take on the Wizards in Washington on Saturday.
Thunder Defeat Mavericks, 116-108
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 116-108, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Thursday.
A 35-19 first quarter really set the tone for Oklahoma City in this game, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, the Thunder led by double-digits for most of that, with the Mavericks never taking a shot to tie the game after the opening quarter. Oklahoma City shot 45 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line while holding Dallas to 43 percent from the field, 44 percent from long range and 70 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, the Thunder out-rebounded the Mavericks, 55-37.
The Mavericks (19-17) had to play without Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic (rest) but were led by Josh Richardson and his 27 points, six assists and two blocks on 10-of-15 from the field. Jalen Brunson tallied 26 points, four rebounds and three assists. Maxi Kleber amassed 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 24 points and six rebounds.
The Thunder (16-21) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, tallying 32 points, two rebounds and six assists, going 9-of-9 from the free-throw line. Al Horford collected 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Luguentz Dort and Aleksej Pokusevski scored 14 points apiece. Theo Maledon had 11 points, four rebounds and nine assists.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Oklahoma City playing host to the New York Knicks and Dallas traveling to face the Denver Nuggets.
A 35-19 first quarter really set the tone for Oklahoma City in this game, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, the Thunder led by double-digits for most of that, with the Mavericks never taking a shot to tie the game after the opening quarter. Oklahoma City shot 45 percent from the field, 50 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line while holding Dallas to 43 percent from the field, 44 percent from long range and 70 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, the Thunder out-rebounded the Mavericks, 55-37.
The Mavericks (19-17) had to play without Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic (rest) but were led by Josh Richardson and his 27 points, six assists and two blocks on 10-of-15 from the field. Jalen Brunson tallied 26 points, four rebounds and three assists. Maxi Kleber amassed 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. Tim Hardaway Jr led the bench with 24 points and six rebounds.
The Thunder (16-21) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, tallying 32 points, two rebounds and six assists, going 9-of-9 from the free-throw line. Al Horford collected 21 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Luguentz Dort and Aleksej Pokusevski scored 14 points apiece. Theo Maledon had 11 points, four rebounds and nine assists.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Oklahoma City playing host to the New York Knicks and Dallas traveling to face the Denver Nuggets.
Clippers Topple Warriors In L.A.
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Golden State Warriors, 130-104, at Staples Center on Thursday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start, while the Clippers took a, 28-26, lead after one quarter. The Clippers turned it up a notch in the second, where they outscored the hosts, 31-17, to push their advantage to 16 points, by halftime. The Warriors had a rough time in the third quarter, as the Clippers outscored the hosts by 20 points in the quarter, expanding the deficit to 36 points, heading into the final frame. The Warriors put up a fight in the fourth and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter, but it was too little, too late, as the Clippers held on for the home win.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 28 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 31 minutes. Serge Ibaka totaled 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Paul George tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. The Clippers shot 45 percent from the field, including 18-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins was the high-point man for the Warriors, with 15 points on 5-of-12 shooting, in 28 minutes. Stephen Curry added 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, while Jordan Poole added 14 points, four assists and three rebounds. The Warriors shot 43 percent from the field, including 9-of-36 from long range.
The Warriors (19-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Sunday. The Clippers (25-14) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Sunday.
The contest got out to a tight start, while the Clippers took a, 28-26, lead after one quarter. The Clippers turned it up a notch in the second, where they outscored the hosts, 31-17, to push their advantage to 16 points, by halftime. The Warriors had a rough time in the third quarter, as the Clippers outscored the hosts by 20 points in the quarter, expanding the deficit to 36 points, heading into the final frame. The Warriors put up a fight in the fourth and outscored the visitors by 10 points in the quarter, but it was too little, too late, as the Clippers held on for the home win.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 28 points, nine rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 31 minutes. Serge Ibaka totaled 16 points and 14 rebounds, while Paul George tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. The Clippers shot 45 percent from the field, including 18-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins was the high-point man for the Warriors, with 15 points on 5-of-12 shooting, in 28 minutes. Stephen Curry added 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, while Jordan Poole added 14 points, four assists and three rebounds. The Warriors shot 43 percent from the field, including 9-of-36 from long range.
The Warriors (19-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Sunday. The Clippers (25-14) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Sunday.
Suns Defeat Trail Blazers, 127-121
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 127-121, at Moda Center on Thursday.
While there were only five ties and six lead changes in this game, neither club ever led by more than 13 points. The Suns rode a 37-27 fourth quarter to their comeback victory, turning an 11-point deficit in the third quarter into a six-point victory. Phoenix ended up shooting 59 percent from the field and 54 percent from three-point range while holding Portland to 46 percent from the field and 42 percent from long range. In addition, the Suns outscored the Trail Blazers in the paint, 56-48.
The Suns (25-11) were led by Devin Booker and his 35 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Chris Paul collected 19 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Mikal Bridges amassed 18 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jae Crowder led the bench with 13 points and seven rebounds while Cameron Payne had 13 points and six assists.
The Trail Blazers (21-15) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 30 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Gary Trent Jr generated 17 points, two rebounds and two assists. Enes Kanter had 16 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 13 points and five rebounds. Kanter was the only one of those players who shot over 45 percent from the field.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Portland traveling to face the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix returning home to play the Indiana Pacers.
While there were only five ties and six lead changes in this game, neither club ever led by more than 13 points. The Suns rode a 37-27 fourth quarter to their comeback victory, turning an 11-point deficit in the third quarter into a six-point victory. Phoenix ended up shooting 59 percent from the field and 54 percent from three-point range while holding Portland to 46 percent from the field and 42 percent from long range. In addition, the Suns outscored the Trail Blazers in the paint, 56-48.
The Suns (25-11) were led by Devin Booker and his 35 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Chris Paul collected 19 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Mikal Bridges amassed 18 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jae Crowder led the bench with 13 points and seven rebounds while Cameron Payne had 13 points and six assists.
The Trail Blazers (21-15) were led by Damian Lillard, tallying 30 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Gary Trent Jr generated 17 points, two rebounds and two assists. Enes Kanter had 16 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 13 points and five rebounds. Kanter was the only one of those players who shot over 45 percent from the field.
Both teams return to action on Saturday, with Portland traveling to face the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix returning home to play the Indiana Pacers.
Kings Defeat Rockets, 125-105
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 125-105, at Golden 1 Center on Thursday.
While there were nine ties and five lead changes in the first 15 minutes, Sacramento never relinquished the lead after that. In fact, the Kings won or tied all four quarters, riding a 30-18 second quarter to a 14-point halftime lead. The Kings starters outscored the Rockets starters by 37 points. Sacramento shot 49 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding Houston to 41 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range. In addition, the Kings out-rebounded the Rockets, 53-44.
The Rockets (11-24) were led by Victor Oladipo and his 23 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Eric Gordon amassed 17 points and two rebounds. Sterling Brown generated eight points and 10 rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr led the bench with 13 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. KJ Martin also had 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks off the bench.
The Kings (15-22) were led by De'Aaron Fox, collecting 30 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Harrison Barnes totaled 20 points and 11 rebounds. Richaun Holmes amassed 20 points, 11 rebounds and two assists while Buddy Hield compiled 20 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Cory Joseph led the bench with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and five steals.
Houston will look to snap their 14-game losing streak in a road matchup against the Utah Jazz on Friday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Atlanta Hawks.
While there were nine ties and five lead changes in the first 15 minutes, Sacramento never relinquished the lead after that. In fact, the Kings won or tied all four quarters, riding a 30-18 second quarter to a 14-point halftime lead. The Kings starters outscored the Rockets starters by 37 points. Sacramento shot 49 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding Houston to 41 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range. In addition, the Kings out-rebounded the Rockets, 53-44.
The Rockets (11-24) were led by Victor Oladipo and his 23 points, four rebounds and nine assists. Eric Gordon amassed 17 points and two rebounds. Sterling Brown generated eight points and 10 rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr led the bench with 13 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and three steals. KJ Martin also had 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks off the bench.
The Kings (15-22) were led by De'Aaron Fox, collecting 30 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Harrison Barnes totaled 20 points and 11 rebounds. Richaun Holmes amassed 20 points, 11 rebounds and two assists while Buddy Hield compiled 20 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Cory Joseph led the bench with 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and five steals.
Houston will look to snap their 14-game losing streak in a road matchup against the Utah Jazz on Friday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Atlanta Hawks.