Nuggets Hand Cavs Ninth Straight Loss
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Cleveland Cavaliers, 120-103, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday evening.
The Nuggets got out to a good start on the road with a, 33-20, lead after one quarter. They kept it up in the second and pushed their lead up to 19 points by halftime. The Cavs came out stronger in the third and managed to trim it to a 15-point game heading into the final frame. The Nuggets jumped out of the gates in the fourth and pushed their lead to a game-high 23 points, early in the quarter, which was enough for them to be able to cruise to the finish, ending a two-game slide. This marks the ninth straight loss for the Cavs.
Jamal Murray led the way for Denver with 50 points on 21-of-25 shooting, in 38 minutes. Nikola Jokic totaled 16 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, four steals and a block, while Michael Porter Jr. added 22 points and seven rebounds. The Nuggets shot 58 percent from the field, including 15-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the Cavs with 23 points on 8-of-17 shooting, in 37 minutes. Jarrett Allen totaled 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Isaac Okoro and Darius Garland added 14 points each. The Cavs shot 47 percent from the field, including 12-of-31 from long range.
The Cavaliers (10-20) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Sunday. The Nuggets (16-13) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Sunday.
The Nuggets got out to a good start on the road with a, 33-20, lead after one quarter. They kept it up in the second and pushed their lead up to 19 points by halftime. The Cavs came out stronger in the third and managed to trim it to a 15-point game heading into the final frame. The Nuggets jumped out of the gates in the fourth and pushed their lead to a game-high 23 points, early in the quarter, which was enough for them to be able to cruise to the finish, ending a two-game slide. This marks the ninth straight loss for the Cavs.
Jamal Murray led the way for Denver with 50 points on 21-of-25 shooting, in 38 minutes. Nikola Jokic totaled 16 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, four steals and a block, while Michael Porter Jr. added 22 points and seven rebounds. The Nuggets shot 58 percent from the field, including 15-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the Cavs with 23 points on 8-of-17 shooting, in 37 minutes. Jarrett Allen totaled 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Isaac Okoro and Darius Garland added 14 points each. The Cavs shot 47 percent from the field, including 12-of-31 from long range.
The Cavaliers (10-20) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Sunday. The Nuggets (16-13) take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Sunday.
Magic Pull Huge Upset, Secure Win Over Warriors
The Orlando Magic defeated the Golden State Warriors, 124-120, at Amway Center on Friday evening.
The Magic (12-18) entered this game following a win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday and now they've quietly started a two-game winning run after topping the Warriors (16-14) in a tightly-contested affair. Orlando jumped out to a 37-34 lead following the first quarter and further extended that advantage to a 13-point lead following a 27-17 second quarter, but Golden State started the second half with a different attitude and turned things around while jumping to a one-point lead following a 43-29 lead in the third quarter. Orlando had to come from behind but did just that, winning the final quarter by a 31-26 score that resulted in their four-point victory. Orlando shot 48.9 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from three-point range in this game, while the Warriors shot 47.4 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from three-point range.
Nikola Vucevic recorded 30 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists to pace the Magic in Friday's win, while Evan Fournier chipped in with 28 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals across 32 minutes. Terrence Ross delivered another strong performance off the bench and contributed 24 points (9-17 FG) while also adding four rebounds and three steals. Chuma Okeke chipped in with 11 points off the bench as well.
Stephen Curry carried the Warriors offensively with 29 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, while Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 26 points and seven rebounds. Andrew Wiggins contributed 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Draymond Green delivered another excellent passing display with nine assists to go along with six points and seven rebounds. Damion Lee and Mychal Mulder each had 10 points.
The Magic (12-18) entered this game following a win over the New York Knicks on Wednesday and now they've quietly started a two-game winning run after topping the Warriors (16-14) in a tightly-contested affair. Orlando jumped out to a 37-34 lead following the first quarter and further extended that advantage to a 13-point lead following a 27-17 second quarter, but Golden State started the second half with a different attitude and turned things around while jumping to a one-point lead following a 43-29 lead in the third quarter. Orlando had to come from behind but did just that, winning the final quarter by a 31-26 score that resulted in their four-point victory. Orlando shot 48.9 percent from the field and 41.9 percent from three-point range in this game, while the Warriors shot 47.4 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from three-point range.
Nikola Vucevic recorded 30 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists to pace the Magic in Friday's win, while Evan Fournier chipped in with 28 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals across 32 minutes. Terrence Ross delivered another strong performance off the bench and contributed 24 points (9-17 FG) while also adding four rebounds and three steals. Chuma Okeke chipped in with 11 points off the bench as well.
Stephen Curry carried the Warriors offensively with 29 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, while Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 26 points and seven rebounds. Andrew Wiggins contributed 16 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Draymond Green delivered another excellent passing display with nine assists to go along with six points and seven rebounds. Damion Lee and Mychal Mulder each had 10 points.
Nuggets-Hornets Rescheduled
The game between the Denver Nuggets and Charlotte Hornets scheduled for Friday night at Spectrum Center has been rescheduled to a to-be-determined date.
Celtics Topple Hawks, 121-109
The Boston Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 121-109, at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Celtics (15-14) haven't been able to separate from teams very often this season, especially early in games, so perhaps they should have taken the first half of Friday's game as a good sign. Boston came out of the gate hot and didn't look back over the first two quarters, building a 66-41 lead over the Hawks (12-17) by halftime. Brad Stevens' squad kept the pressure on during the third quarter as well, matching Atlanta bucket for bucket during the third quarter. The visitors made plenty of noise on the offensive end with 36 points over the final 12 minutes, but the hosts had enough of a cushion to still emerge with a double-digit win.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 31 points, complementing them with 11 assists, four rebounds and three steals. Clint Capela generated a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included one assist, four blocks and two steals. Solomon Hill provided 12 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. Cam Reddish and Danilo Gallinari supplied matching nine-point tallies while pulling down five and three rebounds, respectively.
Kemba Walker paced the Celtics with 28 points, supplementing them with six assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block. Jayson Tatum registered 25 points, eight boards, six assists, three blocks and one steal. Tristan Thompson and Jaylen Brown contributed 17 points each, with Thompson also recording five rebounds and Brown dishing out six assists. Daniel Theis furnished 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Robert Williams managed 12 points, seven rebounds, four blocks and two steals.
The Hawks head back home to face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday evening, while the Celtics travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday afternoon.
The Celtics (15-14) haven't been able to separate from teams very often this season, especially early in games, so perhaps they should have taken the first half of Friday's game as a good sign. Boston came out of the gate hot and didn't look back over the first two quarters, building a 66-41 lead over the Hawks (12-17) by halftime. Brad Stevens' squad kept the pressure on during the third quarter as well, matching Atlanta bucket for bucket during the third quarter. The visitors made plenty of noise on the offensive end with 36 points over the final 12 minutes, but the hosts had enough of a cushion to still emerge with a double-digit win.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 31 points, complementing them with 11 assists, four rebounds and three steals. Clint Capela generated a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included one assist, four blocks and two steals. Solomon Hill provided 12 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. Cam Reddish and Danilo Gallinari supplied matching nine-point tallies while pulling down five and three rebounds, respectively.
Kemba Walker paced the Celtics with 28 points, supplementing them with six assists, five rebounds, three steals and one block. Jayson Tatum registered 25 points, eight boards, six assists, three blocks and one steal. Tristan Thompson and Jaylen Brown contributed 17 points each, with Thompson also recording five rebounds and Brown dishing out six assists. Daniel Theis furnished 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal. Robert Williams managed 12 points, seven rebounds, four blocks and two steals.
The Hawks head back home to face the Denver Nuggets on Sunday evening, while the Celtics travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday afternoon.
Sixers Come Through, Secure Win Over Bulls
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 112-105, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday evening.
The 76ers (20-10) reached the 20-win threshold and also swept their two-game homestand in dominant fashion with a strong victory over the Bulls (12-16) in a game where they cruised their way from start to finish. Philadelphia quickly jumped out to a 32-30 lead in the first quarter and extended that advantage after a 26-23 score in the second quarter. Chicago never stopped fighting, but the Bulls simply didn't have any weapons to fight against a 76ers team that also won the subsequent two quarters, 27-26 and 27-26, respectively. It was tighter than expected, but the Sixers pulled away with the win and boosted their home record to an impressive 13-2, while the Bulls fell to 7-7 on the road. The Sixers shot 47.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from deep, while the Bulls struggled even more -- they made just 41.5 percent of their shots and 21.9 percent of their three-point attempts.
Joel Embiid had one of the best games of his career, as he ended with 50 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals. Tobias Harris contributed a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds while also adding seven assists, and Danny Green chipped in with 13 points while also adding five assists. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits in this game, but it wasn't really needed due to Embiid's dominant performance.
Zach LaVine contributed 30 points to lead the Bulls on offense, and he also added five rebounds and five assists. Wendell Carter Jr. had 15 points with four rebounds, while Garrett Temple ended with 10 points, five rebounds and two assists. Thaddeus Young recorded 12 points and nine rebounds off the bench, while Tomas Satoransky also had 10 points.
The 76ers (20-10) reached the 20-win threshold and also swept their two-game homestand in dominant fashion with a strong victory over the Bulls (12-16) in a game where they cruised their way from start to finish. Philadelphia quickly jumped out to a 32-30 lead in the first quarter and extended that advantage after a 26-23 score in the second quarter. Chicago never stopped fighting, but the Bulls simply didn't have any weapons to fight against a 76ers team that also won the subsequent two quarters, 27-26 and 27-26, respectively. It was tighter than expected, but the Sixers pulled away with the win and boosted their home record to an impressive 13-2, while the Bulls fell to 7-7 on the road. The Sixers shot 47.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from deep, while the Bulls struggled even more -- they made just 41.5 percent of their shots and 21.9 percent of their three-point attempts.
Joel Embiid had one of the best games of his career, as he ended with 50 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals. Tobias Harris contributed a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds while also adding seven assists, and Danny Green chipped in with 13 points while also adding five assists. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits in this game, but it wasn't really needed due to Embiid's dominant performance.
Zach LaVine contributed 30 points to lead the Bulls on offense, and he also added five rebounds and five assists. Wendell Carter Jr. had 15 points with four rebounds, while Garrett Temple ended with 10 points, five rebounds and two assists. Thaddeus Young recorded 12 points and nine rebounds off the bench, while Tomas Satoransky also had 10 points.
Suns Mount Huge Late Comeback, Defeat Pelicans
The Phoenix Suns defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 132-114, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.
The Suns (18-10) and the Pelicans (12-17) entered this game on opposite streaks, but that wasn't noticeable once the game started -- in fact, the Pelicans jumped out to a 34-33 lead following the first quarter. New Orleans boosted their advantage in both the second (32-26) and third (36-32) quarters, so they held a comfortable advantage heading into the final 12 minutes of action. The Suns, however, left their best basketball for the final minutes of the contest and outscored New Orleans by a 41-12 score in the final quarter, flipping the game entirely and securing a massive victory that extended their solid run in recent weeks -- they've now won nine of their last 11 games while improving their road record to 8-5. Meanwhile, the Pelicans fell to 7-7 at home. The Suns shot 58 percent from the field and 56.4 percent from deep in the win, while the Pelicans shot 51.2 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from deep in the loss.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 23 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Chris Paul ended with 15 points and a season-high 19 assists. DeAndre Ayton also contributed a double-double after ending with 16 points and 16 rebounds across 35 minutes. Frank Kaminsky had 17 points, while Jae Crowded left his mark off the bench with 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Cameron Johnson had 13 points.
Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson carried the Pelicans offensively once again, though that has been a trend all season long -- while Ingram ended with 25 points and three assists, Williamson chipped in with 23 points, five boards and four dimes. Lonzo Ball had 21 points and 12 assists -- he also recorded three steals. Eric Bledsoe had 12 points while shooting 5-9 from the field.
The Suns (18-10) and the Pelicans (12-17) entered this game on opposite streaks, but that wasn't noticeable once the game started -- in fact, the Pelicans jumped out to a 34-33 lead following the first quarter. New Orleans boosted their advantage in both the second (32-26) and third (36-32) quarters, so they held a comfortable advantage heading into the final 12 minutes of action. The Suns, however, left their best basketball for the final minutes of the contest and outscored New Orleans by a 41-12 score in the final quarter, flipping the game entirely and securing a massive victory that extended their solid run in recent weeks -- they've now won nine of their last 11 games while improving their road record to 8-5. Meanwhile, the Pelicans fell to 7-7 at home. The Suns shot 58 percent from the field and 56.4 percent from deep in the win, while the Pelicans shot 51.2 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from deep in the loss.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 23 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Chris Paul ended with 15 points and a season-high 19 assists. DeAndre Ayton also contributed a double-double after ending with 16 points and 16 rebounds across 35 minutes. Frank Kaminsky had 17 points, while Jae Crowded left his mark off the bench with 20 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Cameron Johnson had 13 points.
Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson carried the Pelicans offensively once again, though that has been a trend all season long -- while Ingram ended with 25 points and three assists, Williamson chipped in with 23 points, five boards and four dimes. Lonzo Ball had 21 points and 12 assists -- he also recorded three steals. Eric Bledsoe had 12 points while shooting 5-9 from the field.
Mavericks-Rockets Postponed Friday
The game between the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets scheduled for Friday night at Toyota Center has been postponed due to inclement winter weather conditions in Houston and will be played at a later date.
Bucks End Five-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 98-85, at Fiserv Forum on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a slow start as the Thunder took a, 20-16, after one quarter. The Bucks picked it up in the second quarter and outscored the visitors by eight, to grab a four-point lead by halftime. They carried the momentum into the third and outscored the Thunder, 32-20, in the quarter to grab a 16-point lead into the final frame. The Bucks maintained control through the fourth quarter and held on to end a five-game slide. This marks the third straight loss for the Thunder.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 29 points, 19 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and a steal, in 35 minutes. Khris Middleton added 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal, while D.J. Augustin chipped in 11 points, five assists and a steal. The Bucks shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort led the Thunder with 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting, in 32 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 14 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal, while Hamidou Diallo, Isaiah Roby and Al Horford added 10 points each. The Thunder shot 36 percent from the field, including 12-of-40 from deep.
The Thunder (11-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday. The Bucks (17-13) play host to the Kings on Sunday.
The contest got out to a slow start as the Thunder took a, 20-16, after one quarter. The Bucks picked it up in the second quarter and outscored the visitors by eight, to grab a four-point lead by halftime. They carried the momentum into the third and outscored the Thunder, 32-20, in the quarter to grab a 16-point lead into the final frame. The Bucks maintained control through the fourth quarter and held on to end a five-game slide. This marks the third straight loss for the Thunder.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 29 points, 19 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and a steal, in 35 minutes. Khris Middleton added 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal, while D.J. Augustin chipped in 11 points, five assists and a steal. The Bucks shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort led the Thunder with 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting, in 32 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 14 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal, while Hamidou Diallo, Isaiah Roby and Al Horford added 10 points each. The Thunder shot 36 percent from the field, including 12-of-40 from deep.
The Thunder (11-18) will look to bounce back as they take on the Cavs in Cleveland on Sunday. The Bucks (17-13) play host to the Kings on Sunday.
Grizzlies Confident In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 109-95, at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The Grizzlies got out to a great start at home with a, 35-17, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second, but the Pistons managed to trim the deficit to 10, by halftime. The Pistons jumped out to a good start in the third quarter, as they cut it to a one-point game, but the Grizzlies pulled ahead again to claim an 11-point lead, heading into the final frame. The Pistons got out to a good start in the fourth and kept it close, but the Grizzlies kept their composure and closed out their second straight win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 29 points, four assists, three rebounds and a steal, in 32 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Kyle Anderson finished with 16 points and six rebounds. The Grizzlies shot 47 percent from the field, including just 5-of-20 from deep.
Meanwhile, six players scored in double digits for the Pistons, led by Jerami Grant, who totaled 16 points, three assists, two rebounds, two blocks and a steal, and Delon Wright, who added 16 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Josh Jackson added 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists, off the bench.
The Pistons (8-21) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Sunday. The Grizzlies (13-12) play host to the Suns on Saturday.
The Grizzlies got out to a great start at home with a, 35-17, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second, but the Pistons managed to trim the deficit to 10, by halftime. The Pistons jumped out to a good start in the third quarter, as they cut it to a one-point game, but the Grizzlies pulled ahead again to claim an 11-point lead, heading into the final frame. The Pistons got out to a good start in the fourth and kept it close, but the Grizzlies kept their composure and closed out their second straight win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 29 points, four assists, three rebounds and a steal, in 32 minutes. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Kyle Anderson finished with 16 points and six rebounds. The Grizzlies shot 47 percent from the field, including just 5-of-20 from deep.
Meanwhile, six players scored in double digits for the Pistons, led by Jerami Grant, who totaled 16 points, three assists, two rebounds, two blocks and a steal, and Delon Wright, who added 16 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Josh Jackson added 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists, off the bench.
The Pistons (8-21) will look to bounce back as they take on the Magic in Orlando on Sunday. The Grizzlies (13-12) play host to the Suns on Saturday.
Raptors Defeat T'Wolves, 86-81
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 86-81, at Target Center on Friday.
While there were only three ties and two lead changes in this game, there were some major swings. In fact, Toronto led by 19 points midway through the second quarter, and then Minnesota took an eight-point lead with nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Raptors were able to prevail though, scoring the final 11 points over the final 3:29. To put it in perspective, Toronto won the first quarter, 28-15, and the fourth quarter, 28-17, while Minnesota made it competitive behind a 29-13 third quarter. The Raptors ended up out-rebounding the Timberwolves, 51-43. Both offenses struggled mightily, with Toronto shooting 33 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range while Minnesota shot 39 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range.
The Raptors (15-15) got a season-high 31 points from Norman Powell, providing six rebounds, two assists and two steals on 10-of-19 from the field. Fred VanVleet went just 4-of-20 from the field to tally 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Pascal Siakam collected 10 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three blocks.
The Timberwolves (7-23) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns and his 19 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Malik Beasley generated 13 points and five rebounds on 5-of-16 shooting. Ricky Rubio and Anthony Edwards had seven points, three rebounds and four assists apiece, combining to shoot 7-of-22 from the field. Jordan McLaughlin led the bench with 11 points and seven assists.
These teams both return to action on Sunday, with Minnesota traveling to face the New York Knicks and Toronto returning home to Tampa to face the Philadelphia 76ers.
While there were only three ties and two lead changes in this game, there were some major swings. In fact, Toronto led by 19 points midway through the second quarter, and then Minnesota took an eight-point lead with nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Raptors were able to prevail though, scoring the final 11 points over the final 3:29. To put it in perspective, Toronto won the first quarter, 28-15, and the fourth quarter, 28-17, while Minnesota made it competitive behind a 29-13 third quarter. The Raptors ended up out-rebounding the Timberwolves, 51-43. Both offenses struggled mightily, with Toronto shooting 33 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range while Minnesota shot 39 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range.
The Raptors (15-15) got a season-high 31 points from Norman Powell, providing six rebounds, two assists and two steals on 10-of-19 from the field. Fred VanVleet went just 4-of-20 from the field to tally 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Pascal Siakam collected 10 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three blocks.
The Timberwolves (7-23) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns and his 19 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Malik Beasley generated 13 points and five rebounds on 5-of-16 shooting. Ricky Rubio and Anthony Edwards had seven points, three rebounds and four assists apiece, combining to shoot 7-of-22 from the field. Jordan McLaughlin led the bench with 11 points and seven assists.
These teams both return to action on Sunday, with Minnesota traveling to face the New York Knicks and Toronto returning home to Tampa to face the Philadelphia 76ers.
Clippers Defeat Jazz, 116-112
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 116-112, at Staples Center on Friday.
While there were only five ties and five lead changes in this game, it wasn't decided until late in the fourth quarter. In fact, Los Angeles led 94-92 with six minutes remaining but went on a 13-2 run over the next four minutes to take control, with Utah never having a shot to tie the game after that run. With that said, the Jazz finished the game on an 18-9 run to make it close at the end. The Clippers bench came up big, outscoring the Jazz' bench, 46-30. In addition, Los Angeles ended up out-rebounding Utah, 45-38, while out-assisting them, 22-13. The Clippers shot 48 percent from the field and 91 percent from the free-throw line.
The Jazz (24-6) were led by Donovan Mitchell and his 35 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals, scoring 32 of those in the second half. Bojan Bogdanovic amassed 23 points, two rebounds and two assists on 8-of-11 from the field. Mike Conley returned from a two-week absence to score 16 points. Rudy Gobert had eight points, 15 rebounds and three blocks while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 19 points.
The Clippers (22-9) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 29 points, five rebounds and four assists. Paul George tallied 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. Serge Ibaka totaled nine points, nine rebounds and four assists. Lou Williams led the bench with 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals while Marcus Morris compiled 17 points and seven boards.
On deck for Los Angeles is a home game against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. As for Utah, they return home to face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday for their next outing.
While there were only five ties and five lead changes in this game, it wasn't decided until late in the fourth quarter. In fact, Los Angeles led 94-92 with six minutes remaining but went on a 13-2 run over the next four minutes to take control, with Utah never having a shot to tie the game after that run. With that said, the Jazz finished the game on an 18-9 run to make it close at the end. The Clippers bench came up big, outscoring the Jazz' bench, 46-30. In addition, Los Angeles ended up out-rebounding Utah, 45-38, while out-assisting them, 22-13. The Clippers shot 48 percent from the field and 91 percent from the free-throw line.
The Jazz (24-6) were led by Donovan Mitchell and his 35 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals, scoring 32 of those in the second half. Bojan Bogdanovic amassed 23 points, two rebounds and two assists on 8-of-11 from the field. Mike Conley returned from a two-week absence to score 16 points. Rudy Gobert had eight points, 15 rebounds and three blocks while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 19 points.
The Clippers (22-9) were led by Kawhi Leonard, collecting 29 points, five rebounds and four assists. Paul George tallied 15 points, six rebounds and five assists. Serge Ibaka totaled nine points, nine rebounds and four assists. Lou Williams led the bench with 19 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals while Marcus Morris compiled 17 points and seven boards.
On deck for Los Angeles is a home game against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. As for Utah, they return home to face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday for their next outing.