Pistons Defeat Lakers, 111-97
The Detroit Pistons defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 111-97, at Little Ceasar's Arena on Friday.
Detroit came into this matchup as a sizable favorite, as a 27-22 first quarter really set the tone. In fact, the Pistons held the lead for the entirety of the second half, leading by 18 points in the third quarter. Their defense was key, as they held the Lakers to 42 percent from the field and 24 percent from three-point range. That three-point shooting was the difference in the game, with the Pistons connecting on 17-of-39 and the Lakers hitting just 6-of-25.
The Lakers (31-38) were led by JaVale McGee, as he tallied 20 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. Rajon Rondo finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Kyle Kuzma finished with 12 points, six rebounds and 10 assists while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the bench with 17 points and two rebounds.
The Pistons (35-33) were led by Reggie Jackson, as he tallied 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Andre Drummond accumulated 19 points. 23 rebounds and two blocks. Blake Griffin accrued 15 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Langston Galloway was huge off the bench, providing, 23 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles traveling to The Big Apple to play the New York Knicks while Detroit plays host to the Toronto Raptors.
Detroit came into this matchup as a sizable favorite, as a 27-22 first quarter really set the tone. In fact, the Pistons held the lead for the entirety of the second half, leading by 18 points in the third quarter. Their defense was key, as they held the Lakers to 42 percent from the field and 24 percent from three-point range. That three-point shooting was the difference in the game, with the Pistons connecting on 17-of-39 and the Lakers hitting just 6-of-25.
The Lakers (31-38) were led by JaVale McGee, as he tallied 20 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. Rajon Rondo finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Kyle Kuzma finished with 12 points, six rebounds and 10 assists while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the bench with 17 points and two rebounds.
The Pistons (35-33) were led by Reggie Jackson, as he tallied 20 points, five rebounds and five assists. Andre Drummond accumulated 19 points. 23 rebounds and two blocks. Blake Griffin accrued 15 points, two rebounds and nine assists. Langston Galloway was huge off the bench, providing, 23 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Los Angeles traveling to The Big Apple to play the New York Knicks while Detroit plays host to the Toronto Raptors.
Sixers Defeat Kings, 123-114
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 123-114, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday.
While Philadelphia led for the majority of this game, it was close throughout. In fact, there were eight ties and seven lead changes in total, as the Sixers never led by more than 13 points. The Sixers did most of their damage in the first and third quarters, outscoring the Kings, 70-60. Philadelphia ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 89 percent from the free-throw line. They also outrebounded the Kings on the defensive end, 39-30.
The Kings (33-35) were led by Harrison Barnes, as he tallied 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 16 points, two rebounds and six assists. Buddy Hield totaled 14 points and five rebounds while Willie Cauley-Stein generated 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Sixers (44-25) were led by Jimmy Butler, as he collected 22 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Joel Embiid finished with 21 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. J.J. Redick totaled 19 points and four assists while Tobias Harris accumulated 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Philadelphia traveling to face the dangerous Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento playing host to the Chicago Bulls.
While Philadelphia led for the majority of this game, it was close throughout. In fact, there were eight ties and seven lead changes in total, as the Sixers never led by more than 13 points. The Sixers did most of their damage in the first and third quarters, outscoring the Kings, 70-60. Philadelphia ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 89 percent from the free-throw line. They also outrebounded the Kings on the defensive end, 39-30.
The Kings (33-35) were led by Harrison Barnes, as he tallied 16 points, six rebounds and three assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 16 points, two rebounds and six assists. Buddy Hield totaled 14 points and five rebounds while Willie Cauley-Stein generated 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists.
The Sixers (44-25) were led by Jimmy Butler, as he collected 22 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Joel Embiid finished with 21 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and four blocks. J.J. Redick totaled 19 points and four assists while Tobias Harris accumulated 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Philadelphia traveling to face the dangerous Milwaukee Bucks and Sacramento playing host to the Chicago Bulls.
Hornets Hold On For Big Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Washington Wizards, 116-110, at Capital One Arena on Friday evening.
The Hornets got out to a great start on the road, with a 40-26 lead after one quarter. The Wizards tightened up the effort in the second, but could not make much progress, as they outscored the Hornets by one in the quarter, and trailed by 13 at halftime. The Hornets retained control in the third, where they pushed their lead to more than 20, before taking a 17-point lead into the final frame. The Wizards did not give up and made a push in the fourth, making it a single-digit lead, but the Hornets held on for a much-needed win, ending a four-game slide.
Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 28 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block, in 36 minutes. Jeremy Lamb followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds, two steals, one block and one assist, while Nicolas Batum added 16 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal. The Hornets shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 40 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal and a block, in 45 minutes. Jabari Parker added 17 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while Jeff Green tallied 20 points, two rebounds, one assist and a block.
The Wizards (29-40) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Saturday. The Hornets (31-37) take on the Heat in Miami on Sunday.
The Hornets got out to a great start on the road, with a 40-26 lead after one quarter. The Wizards tightened up the effort in the second, but could not make much progress, as they outscored the Hornets by one in the quarter, and trailed by 13 at halftime. The Hornets retained control in the third, where they pushed their lead to more than 20, before taking a 17-point lead into the final frame. The Wizards did not give up and made a push in the fourth, making it a single-digit lead, but the Hornets held on for a much-needed win, ending a four-game slide.
Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 28 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block, in 36 minutes. Jeremy Lamb followed up with 18 points, eight rebounds, two steals, one block and one assist, while Nicolas Batum added 16 points, six assists, five rebounds and one steal. The Hornets shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 40 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal and a block, in 45 minutes. Jabari Parker added 17 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while Jeff Green tallied 20 points, two rebounds, one assist and a block.
The Wizards (29-40) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Grizzlies on Saturday. The Hornets (31-37) take on the Heat in Miami on Sunday.
Trail Blazers Earn Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the host New Orleans Pelicans 122-110, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.
The Pelicans got out to a good start at home, as they held a 37-30 lead after one quarter. They led for the entire second quarter, until the Trail Blazers tied it up and took a one-point advantage in the final minutes. However, the Pelicans managed to reclaim a one-point advantage by halftime. The Blazers came out strong in the third, outscoring the Pelicans 31-25 in the quarter, to take a five-point lead into the fourth. The Trail Blazers stayed in control through the fourth, as they held on for their third straight win. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Pelicans.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 24 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals, in 35 minutes. C.J. McCollum followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block, while Rodney Hood and Enes Kanter added 17 points each. The Trail Blazers shot 45 percent from the field, including 10-of-27 from long range.
Julius Randle led the Pelicans with 45 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three blocks and two steals, in 42 minutes. Elfrid Payton notched a triple-double, with 14 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds, in 41 minutes. The Pelicans shot 48 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from deep.
The Pelicans (30-41) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Saturday. Trail Blazers (42-26) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday.
The Pelicans got out to a good start at home, as they held a 37-30 lead after one quarter. They led for the entire second quarter, until the Trail Blazers tied it up and took a one-point advantage in the final minutes. However, the Pelicans managed to reclaim a one-point advantage by halftime. The Blazers came out strong in the third, outscoring the Pelicans 31-25 in the quarter, to take a five-point lead into the fourth. The Trail Blazers stayed in control through the fourth, as they held on for their third straight win. This marks the fifth straight loss for the Pelicans.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 24 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals, in 35 minutes. C.J. McCollum followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and one block, while Rodney Hood and Enes Kanter added 17 points each. The Trail Blazers shot 45 percent from the field, including 10-of-27 from long range.
Julius Randle led the Pelicans with 45 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, three blocks and two steals, in 42 minutes. Elfrid Payton notched a triple-double, with 14 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds, in 41 minutes. The Pelicans shot 48 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from deep.
The Pelicans (30-41) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Saturday. Trail Blazers (42-26) take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Saturday.
Rockets Get Past Suns, 108-102
The Houston Rockets defeated the Phoenix Suns, 108-102, at Toyota Center on Friday night.
The Suns (16-54) have been playing much more competitively of late, and they continued that trend early in their difficult road matchup versus the short-handed Rockets (43-26). Phoenix surprisingly jumped out to a 31-26 first-quarter lead and still held a two-point advantage at halftime. After a third quarter where each squad matched the other bucket for bucket, Houston finally took control with just over five minutes left in the fourth quarter, finishing the game on a 13-6 run. The home squad played without Chris Paul, who sat out for rest.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 27 points, adding seven assists and five rebounds. Kelly Oubre, Jr. supplied 22 points, four rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks. Deandre Ayton turned in a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double. Josh Jackson furnished 13 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Richaun Holmes generated a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double off the bench.
James Harden paced the Rockets with 38 points and complemented them with 10 assists, seven rebounds, five steals and three blocks. Eric Gordon poured in 19 points and also compiled four rebounds and three assists. Danuel House, Jr. supplied 18 points, three rebounds and one steal. Clint Capela managed a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one steal and one block.
The Suns next pay a visit to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, while the Rockets remain home to tangle with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.
The Suns (16-54) have been playing much more competitively of late, and they continued that trend early in their difficult road matchup versus the short-handed Rockets (43-26). Phoenix surprisingly jumped out to a 31-26 first-quarter lead and still held a two-point advantage at halftime. After a third quarter where each squad matched the other bucket for bucket, Houston finally took control with just over five minutes left in the fourth quarter, finishing the game on a 13-6 run. The home squad played without Chris Paul, who sat out for rest.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 27 points, adding seven assists and five rebounds. Kelly Oubre, Jr. supplied 22 points, four rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks. Deandre Ayton turned in a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double. Josh Jackson furnished 13 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Richaun Holmes generated a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double off the bench.
James Harden paced the Rockets with 38 points and complemented them with 10 assists, seven rebounds, five steals and three blocks. Eric Gordon poured in 19 points and also compiled four rebounds and three assists. Danuel House, Jr. supplied 18 points, three rebounds and one steal. Clint Capela managed a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included one steal and one block.
The Suns next pay a visit to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, while the Rockets remain home to tangle with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.
Bucks Defeat Heat, 113-98
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Miami Heat, 113-98, at American Airlines Arena on Friday.
While the first three quarters were competitive, Milwaukee rode a monster second half to victory. In fact, the Bucks trailed by one heading into the fourth but outscored the Heat, 34-18 in the fourth quarter to run away with the win. The Heat actually blew a 23-point first half lead, as Milwaukee ended up outscoring Miami in the second half, 71-36. The shooting disparity was key, with the Bucks shooting 48 percent from the field while holding the Heat to 41 percent shooting. Milwaukee also outrebounded Miami, 52-45 and out-assisted them 29-21.
The Bucks (52-17) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he tallied 33 points 16 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and three blocks. Khris Middleton finished with 21 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Eric Bledsoe accrued 17 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. Ersan Ilyasova amassed 15 points and five rebounds to lead the bench.
The Heat (32-36) were led by Justise Winslow, as he generated 20 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Josh Richardson totaled 11 points, three rebounds and two assists. Bam Adebayo accumulated 10 points, 11 rebounds and five assists while Hassan Whiteside led the bench with 14 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Miami playing host to the Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee welcoming the Philadelphia 76ers to Fiserv Forum.
While the first three quarters were competitive, Milwaukee rode a monster second half to victory. In fact, the Bucks trailed by one heading into the fourth but outscored the Heat, 34-18 in the fourth quarter to run away with the win. The Heat actually blew a 23-point first half lead, as Milwaukee ended up outscoring Miami in the second half, 71-36. The shooting disparity was key, with the Bucks shooting 48 percent from the field while holding the Heat to 41 percent shooting. Milwaukee also outrebounded Miami, 52-45 and out-assisted them 29-21.
The Bucks (52-17) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he tallied 33 points 16 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and three blocks. Khris Middleton finished with 21 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Eric Bledsoe accrued 17 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. Ersan Ilyasova amassed 15 points and five rebounds to lead the bench.
The Heat (32-36) were led by Justise Winslow, as he generated 20 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Josh Richardson totaled 11 points, three rebounds and two assists. Bam Adebayo accumulated 10 points, 11 rebounds and five assists while Hassan Whiteside led the bench with 14 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Miami playing host to the Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee welcoming the Philadelphia 76ers to Fiserv Forum.
Spurs Decimate Knicks, 109-83
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks, 109-83, at AT & T Center on Friday night.
The Knicks (13-56) had been playing more competitively in recent games, but they knew they'd be short-handed Friday due to a lower back injury sidelined Dennis Smith, Jr. for the contest. New York looked offensively challenged without their recent trade acquisition, scoring only 41 points during the first half and falling behind by 15 points at intermission. The visitors managed to put together a 28-point third period, but they fell apart in the final period by scoring just 14 points.
Dewayne Dotson paced the Knicks with 21 points and added two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kadeem Allen followed with 16 points and also supplied three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Emmanuel Mudiay collected 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. DeAndre Jordan generated an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included nine assists. Kevin Knox delivered seven points, one assist and one block.
LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs with 18 points and 11 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan finished with 13 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Bryn Forbes matched DeRozan's scoring total and added one rebound. Jakob Poeltl managed 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists, five blocks and two steals. Rudy Gay and Marco Belinelli turned in matching 12-point tallies off the bench.
The Knicks head back home to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon, while the Spurs remain home and take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night.
The Knicks (13-56) had been playing more competitively in recent games, but they knew they'd be short-handed Friday due to a lower back injury sidelined Dennis Smith, Jr. for the contest. New York looked offensively challenged without their recent trade acquisition, scoring only 41 points during the first half and falling behind by 15 points at intermission. The visitors managed to put together a 28-point third period, but they fell apart in the final period by scoring just 14 points.
Dewayne Dotson paced the Knicks with 21 points and added two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kadeem Allen followed with 16 points and also supplied three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Emmanuel Mudiay collected 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. DeAndre Jordan generated an 11-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included nine assists. Kevin Knox delivered seven points, one assist and one block.
LaMarcus Aldridge led the Spurs with 18 points and 11 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan finished with 13 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Bryn Forbes matched DeRozan's scoring total and added one rebound. Jakob Poeltl managed 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists, five blocks and two steals. Rudy Gay and Marco Belinelli turned in matching 12-point tallies off the bench.
The Knicks head back home to take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon, while the Spurs remain home and take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night.
Clippers Hold On For Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 128-121, at Staples Center on Friday evening.
The Bulls got out to a good start at home, with a 34-29 lead after one quarter. The Clippers applied some pressure in the second but could not make a dent in the deficit, as the Bulls took a six-point lead into halftime. However, the Clippers came out with a purpose in the third, where they outscored the visitors by 24, to take an 18-point lead into the final frame. The Bulls were not done, as they rallied through the fourth, outscoring the Clippers 37-26, however, it was not enough to pull ahead, as the Clippers held on four their fourth win in their last five home games.
Danilo Gallinari led the Clippers with 27 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Montrezl Harrell followed up with 26 points, five rebounds, three blocks, two assists and one steal, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 17 points seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals and one block.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 31 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, in 38 minutes. Robin Lopez followed up with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three blocks and a steal, while Kris Dunn added 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block. The Bulls shot 52 percent from the field, including 11-of-21 from long range.
The Bulls (19-51) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Sunday. The Clippers (40-30) play host to the Nets on Sunday.
The Bulls got out to a good start at home, with a 34-29 lead after one quarter. The Clippers applied some pressure in the second but could not make a dent in the deficit, as the Bulls took a six-point lead into halftime. However, the Clippers came out with a purpose in the third, where they outscored the visitors by 24, to take an 18-point lead into the final frame. The Bulls were not done, as they rallied through the fourth, outscoring the Clippers 37-26, however, it was not enough to pull ahead, as the Clippers held on four their fourth win in their last five home games.
Danilo Gallinari led the Clippers with 27 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 34 minutes. Montrezl Harrell followed up with 26 points, five rebounds, three blocks, two assists and one steal, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 17 points seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals and one block.
Meanwhile, Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 31 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, in 38 minutes. Robin Lopez followed up with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three blocks and a steal, while Kris Dunn added 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and one block. The Bulls shot 52 percent from the field, including 11-of-21 from long range.
The Bulls (19-51) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Sunday. The Clippers (40-30) play host to the Nets on Sunday.