Pelicans Dominate, Win Easily Over Cavaliers
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 116-82, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.
The Pelicans (16-22) delivered one of their best performances of the season Friday, as they outscored the Cavaliers (14-23) by 34 points while dominating the contest on both ends of the court. New Orleans quickly jumped out to a 34-29 lead in the first quarter and it seemed as if the game was going to be close, but such wasn't really the case -- New Orleans outscored Cleveland 35-19 in the second quarter and only allowed them to score nine points, while putting up 24, in the third period. With that in mind, the game was all but over before the final 12 minutes of action. The Cavaliers won the final quarter by a 25-23 score, but it was not enough and New Orleans won this game with absolute ease. The Pelicans shot 46.5 percent from the field and only 25 percent from three-point range, but the Cavaliers' struggles were even more pronounced -- they only shot 34.1 percent from the field and 21.9 percent from beyond the arc.
Something that shouldn't surprise anyone -- Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson carried the Pelicans offensively. Ingram contributed 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists while shooting an impressive 11-for-14 from the field, while Zion Williamson ended with 23 points, six boards and a block. Steven Adams only had 10 points, but he made his presence felt by grabbing 17 boards as well. Jaxson Hayes notched 13 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 15 points.
The Cavaliers struggled badly on offense and only three players scored in double digits in this one. Kevin Love, who was returning from a prolonged absence, ended with just four points in 10 minutes. Collin Sexton had a team-high 19 points while Larry Nance chipped in with 11 points and four rebounds. Quinn Cook added 13 points.
The Pelicans (16-22) delivered one of their best performances of the season Friday, as they outscored the Cavaliers (14-23) by 34 points while dominating the contest on both ends of the court. New Orleans quickly jumped out to a 34-29 lead in the first quarter and it seemed as if the game was going to be close, but such wasn't really the case -- New Orleans outscored Cleveland 35-19 in the second quarter and only allowed them to score nine points, while putting up 24, in the third period. With that in mind, the game was all but over before the final 12 minutes of action. The Cavaliers won the final quarter by a 25-23 score, but it was not enough and New Orleans won this game with absolute ease. The Pelicans shot 46.5 percent from the field and only 25 percent from three-point range, but the Cavaliers' struggles were even more pronounced -- they only shot 34.1 percent from the field and 21.9 percent from beyond the arc.
Something that shouldn't surprise anyone -- Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson carried the Pelicans offensively. Ingram contributed 28 points, seven rebounds and four assists while shooting an impressive 11-for-14 from the field, while Zion Williamson ended with 23 points, six boards and a block. Steven Adams only had 10 points, but he made his presence felt by grabbing 17 boards as well. Jaxson Hayes notched 13 points and six rebounds off the bench, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 15 points.
The Cavaliers struggled badly on offense and only three players scored in double digits in this one. Kevin Love, who was returning from a prolonged absence, ended with just four points in 10 minutes. Collin Sexton had a team-high 19 points while Larry Nance chipped in with 11 points and four rebounds. Quinn Cook added 13 points.
76ers Thump Wizards, 127-101
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Washington Wizards, 127-101, at Capital One Arena on Friday night.
The 76ers (25-12) came into Friday's contest with a bit of reinforcement, as even though Ben Simmons remained out for one more game due to COVID-19 protocols, Joel Embiid had been able to gain clearance to play by producing another negative test earlier in the day. Philadelphia got off to a rousing start, establishing a dominating 32-15 lead through the first 12 minutes that would prove a harbinger of the comfortable victory. The Wizards (14-22) did bounce back to play much better in a second quarter during which they compiled 38 points, but they were still only able to make a seven-point dent in their 17-point deficit prior to halftime. The resurgence was also short-lived, as the visitors roared back to push their advantage back up to 18 points, essentially sealing a win that could prove costly if the MRI that will be performed on Embiid's left knee after he came down awkwardly following a third-quarter dunk indicates serious damage.
Despite playing just 20 minutes, Embiid led the 76ers with 23 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Shake Milton and Furkan Korkmaz produced matching 18-point, two-steal tallies, with Milton also recording four assists and two rebounds and Korkmaz pitching in three boards and three assists. Tobias Harris and Seth Curry poured in 14 points and three assists apiece, with Harris also pulling down eight rebounds. Danny Green registered 12 points, six boards, four assists, two steals and one block.
Russell Westbrook paced the Wizards with 25 points, supplementing them with eight assists, five rebounds and one steal. Bradley Beal battled through knee soreness to offer 19 points, two rebounds and one assist. Robin Lopez managed 10 points, five boards, and one assist.
The 76ers head back home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday evening, while the Wizards remain home and face the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.
The 76ers (25-12) came into Friday's contest with a bit of reinforcement, as even though Ben Simmons remained out for one more game due to COVID-19 protocols, Joel Embiid had been able to gain clearance to play by producing another negative test earlier in the day. Philadelphia got off to a rousing start, establishing a dominating 32-15 lead through the first 12 minutes that would prove a harbinger of the comfortable victory. The Wizards (14-22) did bounce back to play much better in a second quarter during which they compiled 38 points, but they were still only able to make a seven-point dent in their 17-point deficit prior to halftime. The resurgence was also short-lived, as the visitors roared back to push their advantage back up to 18 points, essentially sealing a win that could prove costly if the MRI that will be performed on Embiid's left knee after he came down awkwardly following a third-quarter dunk indicates serious damage.
Despite playing just 20 minutes, Embiid led the 76ers with 23 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Shake Milton and Furkan Korkmaz produced matching 18-point, two-steal tallies, with Milton also recording four assists and two rebounds and Korkmaz pitching in three boards and three assists. Tobias Harris and Seth Curry poured in 14 points and three assists apiece, with Harris also pulling down eight rebounds. Danny Green registered 12 points, six boards, four assists, two steals and one block.
Russell Westbrook paced the Wizards with 25 points, supplementing them with eight assists, five rebounds and one steal. Bradley Beal battled through knee soreness to offer 19 points, two rebounds and one assist. Robin Lopez managed 10 points, five boards, and one assist.
The 76ers head back home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday evening, while the Wizards remain home and face the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.
Nuggets Notch Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 103-102, at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Grizzlies closed the first quarter on a, 9-2, run to take a five-point lead into the second. They stayed strong through the second quarter, but the Nuggets rallied to close the half and cut it to a two-point game at the break. The Nuggets came out strong in the third and pushed their lead to 12, late in the quarter, but the Grizzlies trimmed it to a four-point game heading into the final frame. The Nuggets held a slight edge through the fourth and despite the Grizzlies grabbing a brief lead with three minutes to go, the Nuggets came up clutch to earn their fifth straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 28 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Michael Porter Jr. added 21 points, nine rebounds and a block, while Will Barton tallied 21 points, four assists and three steals. The Nuggets shot 44 percent from the field, including 13-of-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Dillon Brooks and Brandon Clark tallied 20 points each to lead the Grizzlies. Ja Morant added 16 points, nine assists, four rebounds and a steal, while Jonas Valanciunas totaled 14 points, 11 rebounds and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 46 percent from the field, including 14-of-28 from long range.
The Grizzlies (17-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Sunday. The Nuggets (22-15) will be right back in action as they play host to the Mavericks on Saturday.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Grizzlies closed the first quarter on a, 9-2, run to take a five-point lead into the second. They stayed strong through the second quarter, but the Nuggets rallied to close the half and cut it to a two-point game at the break. The Nuggets came out strong in the third and pushed their lead to 12, late in the quarter, but the Grizzlies trimmed it to a four-point game heading into the final frame. The Nuggets held a slight edge through the fourth and despite the Grizzlies grabbing a brief lead with three minutes to go, the Nuggets came up clutch to earn their fifth straight win.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 28 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Michael Porter Jr. added 21 points, nine rebounds and a block, while Will Barton tallied 21 points, four assists and three steals. The Nuggets shot 44 percent from the field, including 13-of-37 from deep.
Meanwhile, Dillon Brooks and Brandon Clark tallied 20 points each to lead the Grizzlies. Ja Morant added 16 points, nine assists, four rebounds and a steal, while Jonas Valanciunas totaled 14 points, 11 rebounds and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 46 percent from the field, including 14-of-28 from long range.
The Grizzlies (17-17) will look to bounce back as they take on the Thunder in OKC on Sunday. The Nuggets (22-15) will be right back in action as they play host to the Mavericks on Saturday.
Heat Rally For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 101-90, at United Center on Friday evening.
The Heat got out to a strong start and took a, 29-21, lead after one quarter. The Bulls turned up the defense in the second and held the visitors to just 13 points in the quarter, to tie it up at 42, by halftime. The score stayed close through the third, but the Heat emerged with a two-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Heat took it up a notch in the fourth, as they pushed their lead to a game-high 14 points in the final few minutes, and closed out their third straight win.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 28 points, eight assists, four steals, three rebounds and a block, in 33 minutes. Goran Dragic followed up with 25 points, seven rebounds and five assists, in 32 minutes off the bench, while Duncan Robinson chipped in 15 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists. The Heat shot 46 percent from the field, including 12-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 30 points, six rebounds, six assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Thaddeus Young totaled 13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Lauri Markkanen totaled 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Bulls shot 37 percent from the field, including 15-of-38 from deep.
The Bulls (16-20) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Sunday. The Heat (20-18) play host to the Magic on Sunday.
The Heat got out to a strong start and took a, 29-21, lead after one quarter. The Bulls turned up the defense in the second and held the visitors to just 13 points in the quarter, to tie it up at 42, by halftime. The score stayed close through the third, but the Heat emerged with a two-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Heat took it up a notch in the fourth, as they pushed their lead to a game-high 14 points in the final few minutes, and closed out their third straight win.
Jimmy Butler led the way for the Heat with 28 points, eight assists, four steals, three rebounds and a block, in 33 minutes. Goran Dragic followed up with 25 points, seven rebounds and five assists, in 32 minutes off the bench, while Duncan Robinson chipped in 15 points, five rebounds, three steals and two assists. The Heat shot 46 percent from the field, including 12-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 30 points, six rebounds, six assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Thaddeus Young totaled 13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Lauri Markkanen totaled 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. The Bulls shot 37 percent from the field, including 15-of-38 from deep.
The Bulls (16-20) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Sunday. The Heat (20-18) play host to the Magic on Sunday.
Spurs Throttle Magic, 104-77
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Orlando Magic, 104-77, at AT & T Center on Friday night.
Both teams came into the interconference matchup considerably short-handed in terms of key players, but the Magic (13-25) seemed much better equipped to handle the adversity early by jumping out to a 29-16 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, that only seemed to stir the Spurs (19-15), which not only eliminated their 13-point deficit in the second quarter but actually built an eight-point lead going into halftime by outscoring Orlando, 31-10, during the period. San Antonio was then able to add another two points to its edge in the third quarter, and a 9-0 run to start the final period set the stage for a 30-13 advantage over the final 12 minutes.
Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 26 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and three assists. Dwayne Bacon provided 15 points, three assists and two rebounds. Gary Clark and Chuma Okeke posted matching eight-point tallies while pulling down six and three rebounds, respectively.
Rudy Gay paced the Spurs with 19 points, adding a rebound, an assist, two blocks and one steal. Dejounte Murray and Derrick White posted matching 17-point contributions, with Murray also posting six rebounds and six assists. Patty Mills supplied 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Keldon Johnson registered 11 points, five rebounds and one block.
The Magic head back home to host the Miami Heat on Sunday evening, while the Spurs travel to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening as well.
Both teams came into the interconference matchup considerably short-handed in terms of key players, but the Magic (13-25) seemed much better equipped to handle the adversity early by jumping out to a 29-16 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, that only seemed to stir the Spurs (19-15), which not only eliminated their 13-point deficit in the second quarter but actually built an eight-point lead going into halftime by outscoring Orlando, 31-10, during the period. San Antonio was then able to add another two points to its edge in the third quarter, and a 9-0 run to start the final period set the stage for a 30-13 advantage over the final 12 minutes.
Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 26 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and three assists. Dwayne Bacon provided 15 points, three assists and two rebounds. Gary Clark and Chuma Okeke posted matching eight-point tallies while pulling down six and three rebounds, respectively.
Rudy Gay paced the Spurs with 19 points, adding a rebound, an assist, two blocks and one steal. Dejounte Murray and Derrick White posted matching 17-point contributions, with Murray also posting six rebounds and six assists. Patty Mills supplied 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Keldon Johnson registered 11 points, five rebounds and one block.
The Magic head back home to host the Miami Heat on Sunday evening, while the Spurs travel to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening as well.
Jazz Roll Rockets, 114-99
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 114-99, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday.
A 36-27 first quarter and a 29-21 second quarter allowed Utah to take control in this game, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, the Jazz led by 23 points in the third quarter, with Houston never having a shot to tie the game after the opening three minutes. Utah ended up shooting 48 percent from the field, 38 percent from three-point range and 84 percent from the free-throw line while holding Houston to 37 percent from the field, 21 percent from long range and 62 percent from the charity stripe. The Jazz also out-assisted the Rockets, 24-15.
The Rockets (11-24) were led by Kevin Porter Jr, tallying 27 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Sterling Brown amassed 15 points and three rebounds. Justin Patton totaled 13 points, five rebounds and three steals. KJ Martin led the bench with 15 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. David Nwaba also had 10 points and eight boards off the bench as well.
The Jazz (28-9) were led by Donovan Mitchell and his 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Mike Conley generated 20 points, three rebounds and four assists. Bojan Bogdanovic compiled 15 points, five rebounds and three assists. Royce O'Neale and Rudy Gobert each had double-doubles, combining for 24 points, 24 rebounds and six blocks.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Houston playing host to the Boston Celtics and Utah traveling to play the Golden State Warriors.
A 36-27 first quarter and a 29-21 second quarter allowed Utah to take control in this game, holding the lead for the final three quarters. In fact, the Jazz led by 23 points in the third quarter, with Houston never having a shot to tie the game after the opening three minutes. Utah ended up shooting 48 percent from the field, 38 percent from three-point range and 84 percent from the free-throw line while holding Houston to 37 percent from the field, 21 percent from long range and 62 percent from the charity stripe. The Jazz also out-assisted the Rockets, 24-15.
The Rockets (11-24) were led by Kevin Porter Jr, tallying 27 points, three rebounds, eight assists and two blocks. Sterling Brown amassed 15 points and three rebounds. Justin Patton totaled 13 points, five rebounds and three steals. KJ Martin led the bench with 15 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. David Nwaba also had 10 points and eight boards off the bench as well.
The Jazz (28-9) were led by Donovan Mitchell and his 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Mike Conley generated 20 points, three rebounds and four assists. Bojan Bogdanovic compiled 15 points, five rebounds and three assists. Royce O'Neale and Rudy Gobert each had double-doubles, combining for 24 points, 24 rebounds and six blocks.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Houston playing host to the Boston Celtics and Utah traveling to play the Golden State Warriors.
Lakers Defeat Pacers, 105-100
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 105-100, at Staples Center on Friday.
While Indiana led by eight points after the first, second and third quarters, Los Angeles rode a 34-21 fourth quarter to a comeback victory. In fact, the Pacers led by 12 points with 10 minutes left but the Lakers finished the game on a 31-14 spurt to prevail. The Lakers ended up shooting 45 percent from the field while holding the Pacers to just 42 percent. In addition, Los Angeles shot 30-of-39 from the free-throw line while Indiana hit just 18-of-21. The Lakers bench also outscored the Pacers bench, 54-25.
The Pacers (16-20) were led by Malcolm Brogdon, who tallied 29 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Domantas Sabonis collected 20 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. Doug McDermott amassed 13 points, four rebounds and two assists. Myles Turner generated eight points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Lakers (25-13) leading scorer came off the bench, with Kyle Kuzma providing 24 points and 13 rebounds. LeBron James led the starters with 18 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Dennis Schroder compiled 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Montrezl Harrell came off the bench to finish with 17 points, six rebounds and three blocks.
Indiana has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, facing the Phoenix Suns on the road. As for Los Angeles, they're off until Monday when they play the Golden State Warriors on the road as well.
While Indiana led by eight points after the first, second and third quarters, Los Angeles rode a 34-21 fourth quarter to a comeback victory. In fact, the Pacers led by 12 points with 10 minutes left but the Lakers finished the game on a 31-14 spurt to prevail. The Lakers ended up shooting 45 percent from the field while holding the Pacers to just 42 percent. In addition, Los Angeles shot 30-of-39 from the free-throw line while Indiana hit just 18-of-21. The Lakers bench also outscored the Pacers bench, 54-25.
The Pacers (16-20) were led by Malcolm Brogdon, who tallied 29 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Domantas Sabonis collected 20 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists. Doug McDermott amassed 13 points, four rebounds and two assists. Myles Turner generated eight points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Lakers (25-13) leading scorer came off the bench, with Kyle Kuzma providing 24 points and 13 rebounds. LeBron James led the starters with 18 points, three rebounds and 10 assists. Dennis Schroder compiled 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Montrezl Harrell came off the bench to finish with 17 points, six rebounds and three blocks.
Indiana has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, facing the Phoenix Suns on the road. As for Los Angeles, they're off until Monday when they play the Golden State Warriors on the road as well.