Pacers Topple Knicks, 103-98
The Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks, 103-98, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday evening.
The Pacers (43-25) got more than they likely bargained for from the Knicks (13-55), which jumped out to a 29-27 first-quarter lead despite playing in their third game in the last four nights. While Indiana erased their deficit in the second, their halftime lead was a modest three points. However, the home squad came out of intermission playing well on both ends of the court, outscoring New York by a 30-21 margin during the period and building enough cushion to withstand a late surge by the visitors in the fourth.
Emmanuel Mudiay paced the Knicks with 21 points, adding four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Dewayne Dotson furnished 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Kevin Knox supplied 16 points, five boards and one assist. Deandre Jordan delivered a 12-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Noah Vonleh registered eight points, seven boards, three assists and two steals. Dennis Smith, Jr. only mustered seven points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal across 25 minutes.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pacers with 24 points, supplementing them with four rebounds and two assists. Darren Collison furnished 16 points, nine assists, five rebounds and three steals. Myles Turner collected 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Wesley Matthews poured in 14 points, while Thaddeus Young and Domantas Sabonis turned in matching 10-point contributions and hauled in six and seven rebounds, respectively.
The Knicks remain on the road and next pay a visit to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Pacers remain home and tangle with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday evening.
The Pacers (43-25) got more than they likely bargained for from the Knicks (13-55), which jumped out to a 29-27 first-quarter lead despite playing in their third game in the last four nights. While Indiana erased their deficit in the second, their halftime lead was a modest three points. However, the home squad came out of intermission playing well on both ends of the court, outscoring New York by a 30-21 margin during the period and building enough cushion to withstand a late surge by the visitors in the fourth.
Emmanuel Mudiay paced the Knicks with 21 points, adding four rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Dewayne Dotson furnished 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Kevin Knox supplied 16 points, five boards and one assist. Deandre Jordan delivered a 12-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included five assists. Noah Vonleh registered eight points, seven boards, three assists and two steals. Dennis Smith, Jr. only mustered seven points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal across 25 minutes.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pacers with 24 points, supplementing them with four rebounds and two assists. Darren Collison furnished 16 points, nine assists, five rebounds and three steals. Myles Turner collected 15 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks. Wesley Matthews poured in 14 points, while Thaddeus Young and Domantas Sabonis turned in matching 10-point contributions and hauled in six and seven rebounds, respectively.
The Knicks remain on the road and next pay a visit to the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Pacers remain home and tangle with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday evening.
76ers Get By Cavaliers, 106-99
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 106-99, at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday evening.
The 76ers (43-25) opened the game playing like a team clearly superior to its opponent, as they built a 24-12 lead through one quarter. However, the Cavaliers (17-51) went on to outscore them by a 65-57 margin during the middle periods, setting up a tight fourth quarter. Cleveland held a 97-96 lead with as little as 2:53 remaining, but Philadelphia was able to finish on a 10-2 run for the victory.
Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 26 points, adding two rebounds and one assist. Cedi Osman supplied 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jordan Clarkson provided 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. Ante Zizic generated 12 points, five boards and two assists. Brandon Knight delivered 11 points, five rebounds and two steals.
Ben Simmons led the 76ers with 26 points and also posted 10 rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Joel Embiid turned in a 17-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included five assists, four blocks and one steal. J.J. Redick matched Embiid's scoring, while James Ennis III managed 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Tobias Harris and Boban Marjanovic contributed matching 11-point tallies while also hauling in nine and five rebounds, respectively.
The Cavaliers remain on the road and take on the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, while the 76ers remain home and face off with the Sacramento Kings on Friday evening.
The 76ers (43-25) opened the game playing like a team clearly superior to its opponent, as they built a 24-12 lead through one quarter. However, the Cavaliers (17-51) went on to outscore them by a 65-57 margin during the middle periods, setting up a tight fourth quarter. Cleveland held a 97-96 lead with as little as 2:53 remaining, but Philadelphia was able to finish on a 10-2 run for the victory.
Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 26 points, adding two rebounds and one assist. Cedi Osman supplied 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Jordan Clarkson provided 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. Ante Zizic generated 12 points, five boards and two assists. Brandon Knight delivered 11 points, five rebounds and two steals.
Ben Simmons led the 76ers with 26 points and also posted 10 rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Joel Embiid turned in a 17-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included five assists, four blocks and one steal. J.J. Redick matched Embiid's scoring, while James Ennis III managed 12 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Tobias Harris and Boban Marjanovic contributed matching 11-point tallies while also hauling in nine and five rebounds, respectively.
The Cavaliers remain on the road and take on the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, while the 76ers remain home and face off with the Sacramento Kings on Friday evening.
Bucks Defeat Pelicans, 130-113
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host New Orleans Pelicans, 130-113, at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday.
Milwaukee came into this game as a sizable favorite, as they really took control in the middle quarters. In fact, the Bucks rode a 33-25 second quarter to grab the lead and took control thanks to a 45-41 third quarter and a 29-24 fourth quarter. That allowed them to hold the lead for the entirety of the second half while leading by at least eight points for the final 20 minutes. Defensive rebounding was the difference for the Bucks, as they won that battle, 47-37. Their defense was also key, as they held the Pelicans to 43 percent from the field and 21 percent from three-point range. Free-throw shooting was also huge, with Milwaukee hitting 24-of-28 and New Orleans connecting in just 11-of-16
The Bucks (51-17) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he tallied 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Khris Middleton accrued 23 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Malcolm Brogdon finished with 18 points and two assists while Eric Bledsoe collected 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Pelicans (30-40) were led by Julius Randle, as he amassed 23 points, six rebounds and four assists. Anthony Davis played just 21 minutes but provided 21 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Elfird Payton picked up another triple-double, as he accumulated 14 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with New Orleans playing host to the Portland Trail Blazers and Milwaukee traveling to South Beach to play the Miami Heat.
Milwaukee came into this game as a sizable favorite, as they really took control in the middle quarters. In fact, the Bucks rode a 33-25 second quarter to grab the lead and took control thanks to a 45-41 third quarter and a 29-24 fourth quarter. That allowed them to hold the lead for the entirety of the second half while leading by at least eight points for the final 20 minutes. Defensive rebounding was the difference for the Bucks, as they won that battle, 47-37. Their defense was also key, as they held the Pelicans to 43 percent from the field and 21 percent from three-point range. Free-throw shooting was also huge, with Milwaukee hitting 24-of-28 and New Orleans connecting in just 11-of-16
The Bucks (51-17) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he tallied 24 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Khris Middleton accrued 23 points, five rebounds and seven assists. Malcolm Brogdon finished with 18 points and two assists while Eric Bledsoe collected 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
The Pelicans (30-40) were led by Julius Randle, as he amassed 23 points, six rebounds and four assists. Anthony Davis played just 21 minutes but provided 21 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Elfird Payton picked up another triple-double, as he accumulated 14 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with New Orleans playing host to the Portland Trail Blazers and Milwaukee traveling to South Beach to play the Miami Heat.
Lakers Dominate Bulls, 123-107
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 123-107, at United Center on Tuesday evening.
The final score seemed especially improbable after one quarter, considering the Bulls (19-50) jumped out to a 34-16 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Lakers (31-36) began chipping away at their deficit in the second, shaving 13 points off Chicago's lead by halftime. The third quarter is when the game truly turned, as the visitors racked up a whopping 43 points during the period to erase the remaining deficit and build a 14-point edge going into the fourth. Los Angeles ultimately cruised to a comfortable win, riding a red-hot 54.7 percent success rate from the floor to success.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 36 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope supplied 24 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals. Kyle Kuzma checked in with 21 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Rajon Rondo generated a 14-point, 10-assist double-double that also included four rebounds and two steals. JaVale McGee delivered 10 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Reggie Bullock furnished nine points, two rebounds and two steals.
Robin Lopez paced the Bulls with 20 points, adding seven rebounds and three assists. Otto Porter, Jr. delivered 19 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Kris Dunn contributed 18 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Ryan Arcidiacono started for Zach LaVine (knee) and compiled 14 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Lauri Markkanen shot just 4-for-17 on his way to 11 points and five boards.
The Lakers remain on the road and head north of the border to take on the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night, while the Bulls pay a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday evening.
The final score seemed especially improbable after one quarter, considering the Bulls (19-50) jumped out to a 34-16 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Lakers (31-36) began chipping away at their deficit in the second, shaving 13 points off Chicago's lead by halftime. The third quarter is when the game truly turned, as the visitors racked up a whopping 43 points during the period to erase the remaining deficit and build a 14-point edge going into the fourth. Los Angeles ultimately cruised to a comfortable win, riding a red-hot 54.7 percent success rate from the floor to success.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 36 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope supplied 24 points, six rebounds, one assist and two steals. Kyle Kuzma checked in with 21 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. Rajon Rondo generated a 14-point, 10-assist double-double that also included four rebounds and two steals. JaVale McGee delivered 10 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Reggie Bullock furnished nine points, two rebounds and two steals.
Robin Lopez paced the Bulls with 20 points, adding seven rebounds and three assists. Otto Porter, Jr. delivered 19 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Kris Dunn contributed 18 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Ryan Arcidiacono started for Zach LaVine (knee) and compiled 14 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Lauri Markkanen shot just 4-for-17 on his way to 11 points and five boards.
The Lakers remain on the road and head north of the border to take on the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night, while the Bulls pay a visit to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday evening.
Spurs Defeat Mavericks, 112-105
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 112-105, at American Airlines Center on Tuesday.
While there were four ties and six lead changes in the first quarter, San Antonio rode that 34-24 first quarter to victory. In fact, they led by at least three points for the final three quarters. Defense was key for the Spurs, as they held the Mavericks to 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while out-stealing them, 12-1. San Antonio ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and a perfect 18-of-18 from the free-throw line.
The Spurs (38-29) were led by DeMar DeRozan, as he tallied 33 points, four rebounds, six assists and four steals. LaMarcus Aldridge finished with 28 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Derrick White accrued 23 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Davis Bertans led the bench with 11 points and six boards.
The Mavericks (27-39) got a career performance from Jalen Brunson, as he collected 34 points, five rebounds and four assists on 12-of-16 shooting. Luka Doncic went just 5-of-18 from the field to finish with 12 points, six rebounds and seven assists despite committing nine turnovers. Dwight Powell amassed 20 points and seven boards.
On deck for the Mavericks is a road matchup versus the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. As for the Spurs, they're off until Friday when they play host to the lowly New York Knicks.
While there were four ties and six lead changes in the first quarter, San Antonio rode that 34-24 first quarter to victory. In fact, they led by at least three points for the final three quarters. Defense was key for the Spurs, as they held the Mavericks to 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from three-point range while out-stealing them, 12-1. San Antonio ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and a perfect 18-of-18 from the free-throw line.
The Spurs (38-29) were led by DeMar DeRozan, as he tallied 33 points, four rebounds, six assists and four steals. LaMarcus Aldridge finished with 28 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Derrick White accrued 23 points, three rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Davis Bertans led the bench with 11 points and six boards.
The Mavericks (27-39) got a career performance from Jalen Brunson, as he collected 34 points, five rebounds and four assists on 12-of-16 shooting. Luka Doncic went just 5-of-18 from the field to finish with 12 points, six rebounds and seven assists despite committing nine turnovers. Dwight Powell amassed 20 points and seven boards.
On deck for the Mavericks is a road matchup versus the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. As for the Spurs, they're off until Friday when they play host to the lowly New York Knicks.
Nuggets Defeat Timberwolves, 133-107
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 133-107, at Pepsi Center on Tuesday.
A 31-20 first quarter really set the foundation in this game, as Denver dominated throughout. In fact, they held the lead for the final three quarters, as the Timberwolves never got the game within 13 points in the fourth quarter. The 40 assists were the difference for Denver, as Minnesota handed out just 24. That allowed the Nuggets to shoot an unheard of 60 percent from the field and 60 percent from three-point range, which are both two of the highest totals of the season for any team.
The Timberwolves (32-36) had to play without Jeff Teague, Derrick Rose and Andrew Wiggins, as they simply didn't have enough to compete here. Karl-Anthony Towns did all he could, as he led the way with 34 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Tyus Jones started and totaled 16 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (44-22) were led by Jamal Murray, as he amassed 30 points, three rebounds and three steals. Nikola Jokic collected 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Paul Millsap tallied 23 points, five rebounds and two assists while Monte Morris led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Denver playing host to the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota traveling to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz.
A 31-20 first quarter really set the foundation in this game, as Denver dominated throughout. In fact, they held the lead for the final three quarters, as the Timberwolves never got the game within 13 points in the fourth quarter. The 40 assists were the difference for Denver, as Minnesota handed out just 24. That allowed the Nuggets to shoot an unheard of 60 percent from the field and 60 percent from three-point range, which are both two of the highest totals of the season for any team.
The Timberwolves (32-36) had to play without Jeff Teague, Derrick Rose and Andrew Wiggins, as they simply didn't have enough to compete here. Karl-Anthony Towns did all he could, as he led the way with 34 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Tyus Jones started and totaled 16 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (44-22) were led by Jamal Murray, as he amassed 30 points, three rebounds and three steals. Nikola Jokic collected 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Paul Millsap tallied 23 points, five rebounds and two assists while Monte Morris led the bench with 16 points, five rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Denver playing host to the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota traveling to Salt Lake City to face the Utah Jazz.
Blazers Pull Away From Clippers, 125-104
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 125-104, at Staples Center on Tuesday.
The hosting Clippers (39-30), who entered Tuesday's contest as winners of five in a row, maintained control of the game for all of the first half and majority of the third quarter before the Trail Blazers (41-26) managed to head into the final period with a one-point edge. Then, a Los Angeles team that was playing the second game of a back-to-back set appear to run out of gas, as Portland dominated the final period, 40-20, and walked away with a key victory with the playoffs not-so-far away.
The Blazers pulled away on the back of C.J. McCollum, who after starting the game 0-of-7 from the field and scoring just five points in the first half, went on to score 30 points over the final 24 minutes for a game-high of 35 points in 35 minutes. He shot an impressive 6-of-11 from behind the arc and 12-of-21 from the field overall. With McCollum's shouldering much of the team's offensive workload, fellow backcourt star Damian Lillard took a backseat, but he still finished with 20 points and 12 assists across 34 minutes. Jusuf Nurkic added 20 points of his own to go along with 12 rebounds in just 25 minutes.
As for the Clippers, Tuesday's defeat ended up being their first home loss since they dropped a game to the Lakers back on Jan. 31, so it was the end of an impressive run. After scoring a total of 74 points over his last two games, Lou Williams failed to bring the same offensive firepower Tuesday night, going just 5-of-16 from the field and scoring 18 points thanks to multiple trips to the free throw line. Montrezl Harrell wound up leading the team in scoring, posting a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. As a team, Los Angeles shot an efficient 9-of-15 from behind the arc, but they only made to threes in the second half as they watched Portland pull away.
The hosting Clippers (39-30), who entered Tuesday's contest as winners of five in a row, maintained control of the game for all of the first half and majority of the third quarter before the Trail Blazers (41-26) managed to head into the final period with a one-point edge. Then, a Los Angeles team that was playing the second game of a back-to-back set appear to run out of gas, as Portland dominated the final period, 40-20, and walked away with a key victory with the playoffs not-so-far away.
The Blazers pulled away on the back of C.J. McCollum, who after starting the game 0-of-7 from the field and scoring just five points in the first half, went on to score 30 points over the final 24 minutes for a game-high of 35 points in 35 minutes. He shot an impressive 6-of-11 from behind the arc and 12-of-21 from the field overall. With McCollum's shouldering much of the team's offensive workload, fellow backcourt star Damian Lillard took a backseat, but he still finished with 20 points and 12 assists across 34 minutes. Jusuf Nurkic added 20 points of his own to go along with 12 rebounds in just 25 minutes.
As for the Clippers, Tuesday's defeat ended up being their first home loss since they dropped a game to the Lakers back on Jan. 31, so it was the end of an impressive run. After scoring a total of 74 points over his last two games, Lou Williams failed to bring the same offensive firepower Tuesday night, going just 5-of-16 from the field and scoring 18 points thanks to multiple trips to the free throw line. Montrezl Harrell wound up leading the team in scoring, posting a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. As a team, Los Angeles shot an efficient 9-of-15 from behind the arc, but they only made to threes in the second half as they watched Portland pull away.