Nets Pull Upset, Secure Win Over Bucks
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 119-116, on Tuesday at Orlando.
The Bucks (54-14) were massive favorites ahead of this contest against the Nets (32-35), but Milwaukee couldn't close things out -- just like it happened them Sunday against the Houston Rockets -- and now they have gone 1-2 in their three games in Orlando. Meanwhile, the Nets have gone 2-1 and are getting closer to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. In a game that had 10 ties, 10 lead changes and smaller advantages for either side -- Brooklyn led by as much as 11, while the Bucks' biggest lead was seven points -- the execution down the stretch was going to be the difference. The Nets performed better in the final minutes, and that allowed them to pull the upset against one of the best teams in The Association this season. Brooklyn led for most of the game, though, and survived a late comeback attempt from Milwaukee.
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot delivered 26 points and three rebounds while shooting 66.7 percent from the field. Garrett Temple posted 19 points, five rebounds and four assists, but he also made a clutch bucket in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. Tyler Johnson had 11 points, four rebounds and two assists. Chris Chiozza impressed off the bench, and he posted 10 points with 10 assists in 32 minutes. Justin Anderson contributed 11 points and four boards in 16 minutes.
Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo only played 15:47 minutes each -- Middleton had eight points, while Antetokounmpo notched 16 points, six rebounds and four assists. Donte DiVincenzo filled the stat sheet in limited playing time, and he ended with 11 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Kyle Korver had 13 points off the bench, and Frank Mason contributed 11 points with four assists.
The Bucks (54-14) were massive favorites ahead of this contest against the Nets (32-35), but Milwaukee couldn't close things out -- just like it happened them Sunday against the Houston Rockets -- and now they have gone 1-2 in their three games in Orlando. Meanwhile, the Nets have gone 2-1 and are getting closer to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. In a game that had 10 ties, 10 lead changes and smaller advantages for either side -- Brooklyn led by as much as 11, while the Bucks' biggest lead was seven points -- the execution down the stretch was going to be the difference. The Nets performed better in the final minutes, and that allowed them to pull the upset against one of the best teams in The Association this season. Brooklyn led for most of the game, though, and survived a late comeback attempt from Milwaukee.
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot delivered 26 points and three rebounds while shooting 66.7 percent from the field. Garrett Temple posted 19 points, five rebounds and four assists, but he also made a clutch bucket in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. Tyler Johnson had 11 points, four rebounds and two assists. Chris Chiozza impressed off the bench, and he posted 10 points with 10 assists in 32 minutes. Justin Anderson contributed 11 points and four boards in 16 minutes.
Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo only played 15:47 minutes each -- Middleton had eight points, while Antetokounmpo notched 16 points, six rebounds and four assists. Donte DiVincenzo filled the stat sheet in limited playing time, and he ended with 11 points, six assists, and four rebounds. Kyle Korver had 13 points off the bench, and Frank Mason contributed 11 points with four assists.
Mavs Edge Kings In Overtime
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Sacramento Kings, 114-110 after overtime, on Tuesday at Orlando.
The Mavericks (41-29) and the Kings (28-39) needed more than 48 minutes to find a winner, but Dallas came on top thanks to their ability to execute better in the final minutes -- although Sacramento was unable to maintain what they did in the first half and paid a steep price for that. To put things into perspective, the Kings scored 37 points after the first quarter -- establishing a 10-point lead following the initial 12 minutes -- but combined for 35 points in the entire second half, whereas Dallas scored 39 points after halftime. The Mavericks iced the game on overtime and ended winning by a slim four-point margin in a game where they never led by more than seven points. The Kings were up by 11 points in the first quarter and even led by 10 points early in the fourth, but they couldn't close things out so as a result, the Mavs have now gone 1-2 since the restart, while the Kings have gone 0-3.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks with another triple-double, as he ended with 34 points, a career-high 20 rebounds and 12 assists. Kristaps Porzingis notched 22 points and seven rebounds, while Dorian Finney-Smith contributed 16 points and 16 boards. Tim Hardaway Jr. bounced back from an ugly performance against the Phoenix Suns and notched 22 points with five boards.
De'Aaron Fox led the way for Sacramento with a 28-point, nine-assist performance, but he also added three rebounds and two steals in 39 minutes. Buddy Hield supplied offense off the bench, and he finished with 21 points while making just five of his 14 three-point attempts. Richaun Holmes grabbed 12 boards to go along with eight points. Nemanja Bjelica (12 points, 13 rebounds) and Kent Bazemore (16 points) had strong efforts off the bench as well.
The Mavericks (41-29) and the Kings (28-39) needed more than 48 minutes to find a winner, but Dallas came on top thanks to their ability to execute better in the final minutes -- although Sacramento was unable to maintain what they did in the first half and paid a steep price for that. To put things into perspective, the Kings scored 37 points after the first quarter -- establishing a 10-point lead following the initial 12 minutes -- but combined for 35 points in the entire second half, whereas Dallas scored 39 points after halftime. The Mavericks iced the game on overtime and ended winning by a slim four-point margin in a game where they never led by more than seven points. The Kings were up by 11 points in the first quarter and even led by 10 points early in the fourth, but they couldn't close things out so as a result, the Mavs have now gone 1-2 since the restart, while the Kings have gone 0-3.
Luka Doncic led the way for the Mavericks with another triple-double, as he ended with 34 points, a career-high 20 rebounds and 12 assists. Kristaps Porzingis notched 22 points and seven rebounds, while Dorian Finney-Smith contributed 16 points and 16 boards. Tim Hardaway Jr. bounced back from an ugly performance against the Phoenix Suns and notched 22 points with five boards.
De'Aaron Fox led the way for Sacramento with a 28-point, nine-assist performance, but he also added three rebounds and two steals in 39 minutes. Buddy Hield supplied offense off the bench, and he finished with 21 points while making just five of his 14 three-point attempts. Richaun Holmes grabbed 12 boards to go along with eight points. Nemanja Bjelica (12 points, 13 rebounds) and Kent Bazemore (16 points) had strong efforts off the bench as well.
Booker Sinks Buzzer-Beater To Top Clippers
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 117-115, on Tuesday at Orlando.
The hard-fought contest came right down to the wire, where Devin Booker emerged as the hero, after sinking the last-second, game-winner. The Suns came out with purpose right from the start and held a three-point lead after one quarter. They held the upper hand through most of the second quarter, before taking a seven-point lead into halftime. The Clippers came out strong in the third, but the Suns were up to the challenge, as they managed to hang on to a four-point lead heading into the final frame. The Suns stayed a step ahead through the fourth and led by four points with just over two minutes to go. The Clippers made one final push and tied up at 115, with 31 seconds left. The Suns took possession and missed a go-ahead shot with 12 seconds left but, they were able to grab a steal off a bad pass, allowing them one last chance, which turned out to be enough to earn their third straight win and remain undefeated in the restart.
Booker led all scorers with 35 points on 13-of- 25 shooting, eight assists and four rebounds, in 37 minutes. Deandre Ayton added 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Ricky Rubio tallied 18 points, four assists and three rebounds. The Suns shot 47 percent from the field, including 17-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 27 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal. Paul George followed up with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Ivica Zubac totaled 18 points, 12 rebounds and a block. The Clippers shot 49 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from deep.
The Clippers will be back in action on Thursday against the Mavericks. The Suns take on the Pacers on Thursday.
The hard-fought contest came right down to the wire, where Devin Booker emerged as the hero, after sinking the last-second, game-winner. The Suns came out with purpose right from the start and held a three-point lead after one quarter. They held the upper hand through most of the second quarter, before taking a seven-point lead into halftime. The Clippers came out strong in the third, but the Suns were up to the challenge, as they managed to hang on to a four-point lead heading into the final frame. The Suns stayed a step ahead through the fourth and led by four points with just over two minutes to go. The Clippers made one final push and tied up at 115, with 31 seconds left. The Suns took possession and missed a go-ahead shot with 12 seconds left but, they were able to grab a steal off a bad pass, allowing them one last chance, which turned out to be enough to earn their third straight win and remain undefeated in the restart.
Booker led all scorers with 35 points on 13-of- 25 shooting, eight assists and four rebounds, in 37 minutes. Deandre Ayton added 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Ricky Rubio tallied 18 points, four assists and three rebounds. The Suns shot 47 percent from the field, including 17-of-32 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 27 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal. Paul George followed up with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Ivica Zubac totaled 18 points, 12 rebounds and a block. The Clippers shot 49 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from deep.
The Clippers will be back in action on Thursday against the Mavericks. The Suns take on the Pacers on Thursday.
Pacers Handle Magic, 120-109
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Orlando Magic, 120-109, in an NBA seeding game in Orlando on Tuesday evening.
The Pacers (42-26) had persevered through key absences in their first two games in the Orlando restart bubble, and Tuesday, they entered the conference matchup against the Magic (32-36) with their starting backcourt intact for the first time. The reinforced starting five paid immediate dividends, as Indiana jumped out a 43-22 first-quarter lead that set the tone for the contest. Orlando was only able to whittle away five points from their large deficit during the middle periods, making the final quarter a relatively foregone conclusion. The Magic actually shot an impressive 47.6 percent, but the Pacers were even better with a 54.8-percent success rate, including 39.4 percent from three-point range.
Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 24 points, adding 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal. Aaron Gordon and Terrence Ross produced matching 20-point tallies while pulling down seven and three rebounds, respectively. James Ennis supplied 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Markelle Fultz contributed 10 points off the bench.
T.J. Warren led the Pacers once again, registering 32 points that he complemented with three assists, two rebounds, three steals and one block. Myles Turner finished with 21 points, six boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Victor Oladipo compiled 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Malcolm Brogdon and Aaron Holiday generated matching 12-point, four-rebound efforts, with Brogdon adding eight assists. T.J. McConnell also poured in 12 points and supplemented them with five assists, four rebounds and one steal.
The Magic returns to the floor Wednesday night against the Toronto Raptors, while the Pacers next face the Phoenix Suns on Thursday afternoon.
The Pacers (42-26) had persevered through key absences in their first two games in the Orlando restart bubble, and Tuesday, they entered the conference matchup against the Magic (32-36) with their starting backcourt intact for the first time. The reinforced starting five paid immediate dividends, as Indiana jumped out a 43-22 first-quarter lead that set the tone for the contest. Orlando was only able to whittle away five points from their large deficit during the middle periods, making the final quarter a relatively foregone conclusion. The Magic actually shot an impressive 47.6 percent, but the Pacers were even better with a 54.8-percent success rate, including 39.4 percent from three-point range.
Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 24 points, adding 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal. Aaron Gordon and Terrence Ross produced matching 20-point tallies while pulling down seven and three rebounds, respectively. James Ennis supplied 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Markelle Fultz contributed 10 points off the bench.
T.J. Warren led the Pacers once again, registering 32 points that he complemented with three assists, two rebounds, three steals and one block. Myles Turner finished with 21 points, six boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Victor Oladipo compiled 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Malcolm Brogdon and Aaron Holiday generated matching 12-point, four-rebound efforts, with Brogdon adding eight assists. T.J. McConnell also poured in 12 points and supplemented them with five assists, four rebounds and one steal.
The Magic returns to the floor Wednesday night against the Toronto Raptors, while the Pacers next face the Phoenix Suns on Thursday afternoon.
Heat Surprises Celtics, 112-106
The Miami Heat defeated the Boston Celtics, 112-106, in an NBA seeding game in Orlando on Tuesday night.
The Heat (43-25) had come up notably short against the Celtics (44-23) in their first two meetings this season, but they set a different tone right from the opening tip. Miami emerged from a fast-paced first quarter with a 33-28 lead, and they'd added another seven points to their advantage by halftime. Boston made periodic surges throughout the second half and were as close as within four points at the 3:22 mark of the fourth quarter, but the Heat was able to outscore the Celts by a 10-8 margin the rest of the way to notch the hard-fought win.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 23 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Jaylen Brown managed an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two steals and one block. Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker produced matching 15-point tallies, with Hayward adding seven rebounds and Walker dishing out four assists. Daniel Theis and Enes Kanter went for 11 and 10 points, respectively, while also pulling down five boards apiece.
Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson co-led the Heat with matching 21-point contributions, with Adebayo also posting 12 rebounds. Goran Dragic provided 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals but appeared to hurt his ankle late in the contest. Kelly Olynyk supplied 15 points, eight assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. Tyler Herro finished with 11 points off the bench.
The Celtics will jump back into action Wednesday night against the Brooklyn Nets, while the Heat takes on the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday afternoon.
The Heat (43-25) had come up notably short against the Celtics (44-23) in their first two meetings this season, but they set a different tone right from the opening tip. Miami emerged from a fast-paced first quarter with a 33-28 lead, and they'd added another seven points to their advantage by halftime. Boston made periodic surges throughout the second half and were as close as within four points at the 3:22 mark of the fourth quarter, but the Heat was able to outscore the Celts by a 10-8 margin the rest of the way to notch the hard-fought win.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 23 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Jaylen Brown managed an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two steals and one block. Gordon Hayward and Kemba Walker produced matching 15-point tallies, with Hayward adding seven rebounds and Walker dishing out four assists. Daniel Theis and Enes Kanter went for 11 and 10 points, respectively, while also pulling down five boards apiece.
Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson co-led the Heat with matching 21-point contributions, with Adebayo also posting 12 rebounds. Goran Dragic provided 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals but appeared to hurt his ankle late in the contest. Kelly Olynyk supplied 15 points, eight assists, six rebounds, two steals and one block. Tyler Herro finished with 11 points off the bench.
The Celtics will jump back into action Wednesday night against the Brooklyn Nets, while the Heat takes on the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday afternoon.
Trail Blazers Defeat Rockets, 110-102
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Houston Rockets, 110-102, in Orlando on Tuesday.
There were only four ties and two lead changes in this game, with Portland leading for all but a single minute. In fact, they either tied or won all four individual quarters, getting out to a 29-24 lead after the first. The Trail Blazers ended up out-rebounding the Rockets, 64-39. They also did that while holding Houston to 39 percent from the field, 36 percent from three-point range and 63 percent from the free-throw line. Portland shot 41 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range.
The Rockets (42-25) were led by James Harden, who tallied 23 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Danuel House amassed 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Russell Westbrook finished with 15 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Jeff Green led the bench with 22 points and six rebounds.
The Trail Blazers (31-38) were led by Damian Lillard, who provided 21 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. C.J. McCollum generated 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Jusuf Nurkic accumulated 18 points, 19 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Carmelo Anthony totaled 15 points and 11 boards while Gary Trent Jr led the bench with 16 points.
Both teams will return to action on Thursday, with Houston facing the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland playing the Denver Nuggets.
There were only four ties and two lead changes in this game, with Portland leading for all but a single minute. In fact, they either tied or won all four individual quarters, getting out to a 29-24 lead after the first. The Trail Blazers ended up out-rebounding the Rockets, 64-39. They also did that while holding Houston to 39 percent from the field, 36 percent from three-point range and 63 percent from the free-throw line. Portland shot 41 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range.
The Rockets (42-25) were led by James Harden, who tallied 23 points, six rebounds and nine assists. Danuel House amassed 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Russell Westbrook finished with 15 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Jeff Green led the bench with 22 points and six rebounds.
The Trail Blazers (31-38) were led by Damian Lillard, who provided 21 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. C.J. McCollum generated 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Jusuf Nurkic accumulated 18 points, 19 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Carmelo Anthony totaled 15 points and 11 boards while Gary Trent Jr led the bench with 16 points.
Both teams will return to action on Thursday, with Houston facing the Los Angeles Lakers and Portland playing the Denver Nuggets.