Pistons Defeat Clippers, 109-104
The Detroit Pistons defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 109-104, at Staples Center on Saturday.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win for Detroit, they held the lead for the final 45-plus minutes. A 37-24 first quarter in advantage of the Pistons really set the tone, as the Clippers couldn't recover from that. Rebounding was key for Detroit, as they outrebounded Los Angeles, 48-38. The Pistons also recorded 12 steals while the Clippers recorded just seven thefts. Detroit's starters really dominated the game as well, outscoring Los Angeles' starters, 93-48.
The Pistons (18-23) got a spectacular performance from Blake Griffin, as he abused his former team with 44 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals on 13-of-23 from the field. Andre Drummond finished with 20 points, 21 rebounds and three steals. Reggie Bullock amassed 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Clippers (24-18) two-best players came off the bench, as Lou Williams led the team with 22 points, two rebounds and three assists. Montrezl Harrell was just as good, providing 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals. Danilo Gallinari led the starters with 23 points, six rebounds and two assists. Tobias Harris totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Los Angeles playing host to the New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit traveling to face the shorthanded Utah Jazz.
While this wasn't a wire-to-wire win for Detroit, they held the lead for the final 45-plus minutes. A 37-24 first quarter in advantage of the Pistons really set the tone, as the Clippers couldn't recover from that. Rebounding was key for Detroit, as they outrebounded Los Angeles, 48-38. The Pistons also recorded 12 steals while the Clippers recorded just seven thefts. Detroit's starters really dominated the game as well, outscoring Los Angeles' starters, 93-48.
The Pistons (18-23) got a spectacular performance from Blake Griffin, as he abused his former team with 44 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals on 13-of-23 from the field. Andre Drummond finished with 20 points, 21 rebounds and three steals. Reggie Bullock amassed 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
The Clippers (24-18) two-best players came off the bench, as Lou Williams led the team with 22 points, two rebounds and three assists. Montrezl Harrell was just as good, providing 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals. Danilo Gallinari led the starters with 23 points, six rebounds and two assists. Tobias Harris totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Los Angeles playing host to the New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit traveling to face the shorthanded Utah Jazz.
Heat Defeat Grizzlies, 112-108
The Miami Heat defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 112-108, at American Airlines Arena on Saturday.
While there were only seven ties and five lead changes in this game, it came down to the wire. In fact, this game was within a four-point margin for the final eight minutes of play. With that said, Miami either held the lead or were tied for the entirety of the second half. The Heat's offense was on point, as they shot 50 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 48 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. Ball movement played a huge factor in that, with Miami out-assisting Memphis, 25-18. Bench production was also big, with Miami having four bench players reach double figures in scoring while Memphis had just two.
The Grizzlies (19-23) were led by Mike Conley, as he tallied 22 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals. JaMychal Green was huge off their bench, providing 24 points and 11 rebounds. Marc Gasol finished with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks while Jaren Jackson accrued 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Heat (21-20) were led by Justise Winslow, as he collected 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists on 10-of-16 from the field. Josh Richardson accumulated 14 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Bam Adebayo started and totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Tyler Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, Derrick Jones Jr. and Dwyane Wade all reached double figures in scoring off the bench.
On deck for Memphis is a road matchup versus the scorching-hot Houston Rockets on Monday. As for Miami, they're off until Tuesday when they travel to face the equally hot Milwaukee Bucks.
While there were only seven ties and five lead changes in this game, it came down to the wire. In fact, this game was within a four-point margin for the final eight minutes of play. With that said, Miami either held the lead or were tied for the entirety of the second half. The Heat's offense was on point, as they shot 50 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 48 percent from the field and 31 percent from long range. Ball movement played a huge factor in that, with Miami out-assisting Memphis, 25-18. Bench production was also big, with Miami having four bench players reach double figures in scoring while Memphis had just two.
The Grizzlies (19-23) were led by Mike Conley, as he tallied 22 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals. JaMychal Green was huge off their bench, providing 24 points and 11 rebounds. Marc Gasol finished with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks while Jaren Jackson accrued 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, three steals and two blocks.
The Heat (21-20) were led by Justise Winslow, as he collected 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists on 10-of-16 from the field. Josh Richardson accumulated 14 points, six rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Bam Adebayo started and totaled 11 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Tyler Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, Derrick Jones Jr. and Dwyane Wade all reached double figures in scoring off the bench.
On deck for Memphis is a road matchup versus the scorching-hot Houston Rockets on Monday. As for Miami, they're off until Tuesday when they travel to face the equally hot Milwaukee Bucks.
Magic Comeback to Defeat Celtics, 105-103
The Orlando Magic defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 105-103, at Amway Center on Saturday.
While Boston led by 10 points at the half, Orlando prevailed with a much-needed victory. In fact, they outscored the Celtics, 64-52, in the second half, as they held the lead for the final six minutes of action. It was relatively close throughout though, as neither club led by more than 12 points. Orlando's defense was key, as they held Boston to 42 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range. The Magic also went 22-of-24 from the free-throw line while the Celtics hit just 19-of-28.
The Celtics (25-17) were led by Kyrie Irving, as he tallied 25 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals. Marcus Morris amassed 17 points and eight boards. Jayson Tatum totaled 16 points and six boards while Al Horford accumulated 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three steals. Jaylen Brown led the bench with 13 points and four boards.
The Magic (18-24) were led by Aaron Gordon, as he collected 29 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Nikola Vucevic finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Evan Fournier got out of his slump by generating 18 points, three rebounds and five assists. Terrence Ross was huge off the bench, providing 25 points, four rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Orlando is a home matchup versus the Houston Rockets on Sunday. As for Boston, they return to action on Monday when they face the Brooklyn Nets on the road.
While Boston led by 10 points at the half, Orlando prevailed with a much-needed victory. In fact, they outscored the Celtics, 64-52, in the second half, as they held the lead for the final six minutes of action. It was relatively close throughout though, as neither club led by more than 12 points. Orlando's defense was key, as they held Boston to 42 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range. The Magic also went 22-of-24 from the free-throw line while the Celtics hit just 19-of-28.
The Celtics (25-17) were led by Kyrie Irving, as he tallied 25 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals. Marcus Morris amassed 17 points and eight boards. Jayson Tatum totaled 16 points and six boards while Al Horford accumulated 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and three steals. Jaylen Brown led the bench with 13 points and four boards.
The Magic (18-24) were led by Aaron Gordon, as he collected 29 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Nikola Vucevic finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Evan Fournier got out of his slump by generating 18 points, three rebounds and five assists. Terrence Ross was huge off the bench, providing 25 points, four rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Orlando is a home matchup versus the Houston Rockets on Sunday. As for Boston, they return to action on Monday when they face the Brooklyn Nets on the road.
Considering how evenly matched the two teams are, it was unsurprising to see the contest turn into a back-and-forth affair for the majority of the time. The Timberwolves (21-22) held a slim 54-52 halftime lead, but they were down by two entering the final period. The Pelicans (20-23) held that same advantage with as little as 3:59 remaining, but Minnesota finished on a 9-3 run to secure the victory.
Anthony Davis paced the Pelicans with a 30-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists and one block. Jrue Holiday followed with 25 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two blocks. Julius Randle supplied 22 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Elfrid Payton turned in 10 points, six assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Nikola MIrotic led the bench with nine points, six rebounds and three blocks.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with an even more spectacular double-double than Davis', posting 27 points, 27 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and two steals. Andrew Wiggins registered 18 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Josh Okogie managed 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Dario Saric and Tyus Jones generated matching 14-point tallies off the bench, with Saric also pulling down four rebounds and Jones dishing out six assists. Jeff Teague had just two points in 22 minutes.
The Pelicans remain on the road and pay a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, while the Timberwolves travel to take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday evening.
Anthony Davis paced the Pelicans with a 30-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists and one block. Jrue Holiday followed with 25 points, seven assists, six rebounds and two blocks. Julius Randle supplied 22 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Elfrid Payton turned in 10 points, six assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Nikola MIrotic led the bench with nine points, six rebounds and three blocks.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with an even more spectacular double-double than Davis', posting 27 points, 27 rebounds, three assists, four blocks and two steals. Andrew Wiggins registered 18 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Josh Okogie managed 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Dario Saric and Tyus Jones generated matching 14-point tallies off the bench, with Saric also pulling down four rebounds and Jones dishing out six assists. Jeff Teague had just two points in 22 minutes.
The Pelicans remain on the road and pay a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, while the Timberwolves travel to take on the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday evening.
Thunder Topples Spurs, 122-112
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 122-112, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Saturday evening.
The two teams were back at it just 48 hours after their double-overtime classic in San Antonio, and it was the winners of that contest, the Spurs (25-19), which looked like the more rested team to open the game. The visitors took 60-51 halftime lead and appeared to be on their way to a second straight defeat of the Thunder (26-16). However, OKC found their stride in the third quarter, erasing their deficit and building a six-point advantage heading into the final 12 minutes. The home squad then managed to hold off the Spurs during the fourth quarter to extract a measure of revenge in the form of the 10-point win. The Thunder managed the victory despite having getting outrebounded by a 52-47 margin.
Marco Belinelli paced the Spurs with 24 points off the bench, adding one assist. DeMar DeRozan supplied 18 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. LaMarcus Aldridge followed with 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Bryn Forbes furnished 14 points, four rebounds and one steal. Davis Bertans delivered nine points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Derrick White managed eight points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 24 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Dennis Schroder went for 19 points, six assists, one rebound and four steals. Paul George provided an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists and two steals. Abdel Nader registered 15 points, two rebounds, two assist and one block. Patrick Patterson contributed 13 points, while Steven Adams and Jerami Grant pitched in matching 12-point tallies while bringing down nine and four rebounds, respectively.
The Spurs head back home to take on the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, while the Thunder head down to Atlanta to visit the Hawks on Tuesday evening.
The two teams were back at it just 48 hours after their double-overtime classic in San Antonio, and it was the winners of that contest, the Spurs (25-19), which looked like the more rested team to open the game. The visitors took 60-51 halftime lead and appeared to be on their way to a second straight defeat of the Thunder (26-16). However, OKC found their stride in the third quarter, erasing their deficit and building a six-point advantage heading into the final 12 minutes. The home squad then managed to hold off the Spurs during the fourth quarter to extract a measure of revenge in the form of the 10-point win. The Thunder managed the victory despite having getting outrebounded by a 52-47 margin.
Marco Belinelli paced the Spurs with 24 points off the bench, adding one assist. DeMar DeRozan supplied 18 points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. LaMarcus Aldridge followed with 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Bryn Forbes furnished 14 points, four rebounds and one steal. Davis Bertans delivered nine points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and two blocks. Derrick White managed eight points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
Russell Westbrook led the Thunder with 24 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Dennis Schroder went for 19 points, six assists, one rebound and four steals. Paul George provided an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included four assists and two steals. Abdel Nader registered 15 points, two rebounds, two assist and one block. Patrick Patterson contributed 13 points, while Steven Adams and Jerami Grant pitched in matching 12-point tallies while bringing down nine and four rebounds, respectively.
The Spurs head back home to take on the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, while the Thunder head down to Atlanta to visit the Hawks on Tuesday evening.
Suns Pull Off Upset Over Nuggets
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 102-93, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Saturday evening.
Despite missing Devin Booker, the Suns got out to a good start at home, with a 31-23 lead after one quarter. The kept the momentum through the second, where they outscored the visitors by five points, to expand their lead to 60-47 by halftime. The Nuggets pulled themselves together for the third quarter, but could hardly make a dent in the deficit, as they only outscored the Suns by one point. The Nuggets did their best to chip away through the fourth, but it was not enough, as the shorthanded Suns held on for the major upset.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the Suns with 26 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block, in 29 minutes off the bench. Deandre Ayton followed up with 22 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks, while Josh Jackson tallied 15 points, five assists, four rebounds, one block and one steal. The Suns shot 41 percent from the field, including 8-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 23 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a block, in 33 minutes. Malik Beasley followed up with 21 points, one rebound and one assist, while Paul Millsap tallied 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. The Nuggets shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from long range.
The Nuggets (28-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Suns (11-33) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Tuesday.
Despite missing Devin Booker, the Suns got out to a good start at home, with a 31-23 lead after one quarter. The kept the momentum through the second, where they outscored the visitors by five points, to expand their lead to 60-47 by halftime. The Nuggets pulled themselves together for the third quarter, but could hardly make a dent in the deficit, as they only outscored the Suns by one point. The Nuggets did their best to chip away through the fourth, but it was not enough, as the shorthanded Suns held on for the major upset.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the Suns with 26 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block, in 29 minutes off the bench. Deandre Ayton followed up with 22 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks, while Josh Jackson tallied 15 points, five assists, four rebounds, one block and one steal. The Suns shot 41 percent from the field, including 8-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 23 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a block, in 33 minutes. Malik Beasley followed up with 21 points, one rebound and one assist, while Paul Millsap tallied 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. The Nuggets shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-31 from long range.
The Nuggets (28-13) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Suns (11-33) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Tuesday.
Kings Hold On For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Sacramento Kings defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 104-97, at Golden 1 Center on Saturday evening.
The Kings got out to a solid start at home wit a 35-29 lead after one quarter. The Hornets bounced back in the second, where they outscored the Kings 30-22, to take a two-point lead by halftime. However, the Kings regained control in the second half, as the outscored the visitors 25-17 in the third quarter, to take a six-point lead into the fourth. Despite a strong push from the Hornets in the final frame, the Kings managed to stay one step ahead, and held on for their second straight win. This marks the third straight loss for Charlotte.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Kings with 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting, six rebounds and two assists, in 29 minutes off the bench. Buddy Hield tallied 21 points, four rebounds and three assists, while De'Aaron Fox finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. The Kings shot 41 percent from the field, including 14-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 31 points on 11-of-24 shooting, four assists, two rebounds and one steal, in 33 minutes. Nicolas Batum followed up with 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals, while Michael Kidd-Gilchrist added 11 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. The Hornets shot 41 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from distance.
The Hornets (19-23) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Monday. The Kings (22-21) play host to the Trail Blazers on Monday.
The Kings got out to a solid start at home wit a 35-29 lead after one quarter. The Hornets bounced back in the second, where they outscored the Kings 30-22, to take a two-point lead by halftime. However, the Kings regained control in the second half, as the outscored the visitors 25-17 in the third quarter, to take a six-point lead into the fourth. Despite a strong push from the Hornets in the final frame, the Kings managed to stay one step ahead, and held on for their second straight win. This marks the third straight loss for Charlotte.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led the Kings with 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting, six rebounds and two assists, in 29 minutes off the bench. Buddy Hield tallied 21 points, four rebounds and three assists, while De'Aaron Fox finished with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. The Kings shot 41 percent from the field, including 14-of-37 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 31 points on 11-of-24 shooting, four assists, two rebounds and one steal, in 33 minutes. Nicolas Batum followed up with 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals, while Michael Kidd-Gilchrist added 11 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. The Hornets shot 41 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from distance.
The Hornets (19-23) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Monday. The Kings (22-21) play host to the Trail Blazers on Monday.
Jazz Earn Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 110-102, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Saturday evening.
The Jazz got out to a great start at home, with a 10-point lead after one quarter. However, the Bulls fought back in the second, where they outscored the Jazz by 12, to take a two-point lead into halftime. The action went back-and-forth through the third, with the Jazz outscoring the visitors by one, to bring the deficit to one point at the start of the fourth. The Jazz were able to take control midway through the quarter and held on to earn their third straight win. This marks the seventh straight loss for the Bulls.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 34 points on 11-of-24 shooting, six rebounds, six assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Rudy Robert finished with 15 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal, while Joe Ingles finished with 16 points, four assists and two rebounds. The Jazz shot 42 percent from the field, including 16-of-45 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 21 points on 7-of-21 shooting, three rebounds, three steals, one assist and one block, in 29 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 16 points on 7-of-17 shooting, five rebounds, two blocks and one assist, while Chandler Hutchison, Wayne Selden and Jabari Parker chipped in 11 points each.
The Bulls (10-33) will look to bounce back as they take on the Lakers in L.A. on Tuesday. The Jazz (23-21) play host to the Pistons on Monday.
The Jazz got out to a great start at home, with a 10-point lead after one quarter. However, the Bulls fought back in the second, where they outscored the Jazz by 12, to take a two-point lead into halftime. The action went back-and-forth through the third, with the Jazz outscoring the visitors by one, to bring the deficit to one point at the start of the fourth. The Jazz were able to take control midway through the quarter and held on to earn their third straight win. This marks the seventh straight loss for the Bulls.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 34 points on 11-of-24 shooting, six rebounds, six assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Rudy Robert finished with 15 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal, while Joe Ingles finished with 16 points, four assists and two rebounds. The Jazz shot 42 percent from the field, including 16-of-45 from long range.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 21 points on 7-of-21 shooting, three rebounds, three steals, one assist and one block, in 29 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 16 points on 7-of-17 shooting, five rebounds, two blocks and one assist, while Chandler Hutchison, Wayne Selden and Jabari Parker chipped in 11 points each.
The Bulls (10-33) will look to bounce back as they take on the Lakers in L.A. on Tuesday. The Jazz (23-21) play host to the Pistons on Monday.