Pelicans Pull Huge Comeback, Defeat Celtics In OT
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Boston Celtics in overtime, 120-115, at Smoothie King Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Pelicans (13-17) had to come from behind to top the Celtics (15-15) in this one, as New Orleans were down early in the game but mounted a huge rally in the second half only to escape with the win in overtime. The Celtics jumped out to a 30-28 lead in the first half and stretched that advantage to a 16-points halftime lead following a 33-19 second quarter. The Pelicans made it a 13-point game heading into the fourth following a 27-24 third quarter, but New Orleans had to come back from an even bigger deficit -- they were down by 24 points (79-55) midway through the third quarter. New Orleans forced overtime following a 34-21 fourth quarter, but it wasn't an easy accomplishment -- Zion Williamson converted an and-one with only 6.9 seconds left before Jayson Tatum forced overtime with a floater, leaving just 0.2 seconds left on the clock. The Pelicans limited Boston to just seven points in OT, though, and Brandon Ingram sealed the game with a three-pointer with only 33.3 seconds left on the clock. The Pelicans adjusted defensively and that was enough to secure the win.
Brandon Ingram not only scored the go-ahead three-pointer in overtime, but he also paced the Pelicans with 33 points while adding six rebounds and three assists. Zion Williamson contributed 28 points and 10 rebounds but also had four assists, and Lonzo Ball chipped in with 16 points, six boards and four dimes -- despite committing six turnovers as well. Josh Hart impressed off the bench with 17 points and 10 rebounds across 37 minutes.
Jayson Tatum carried the Celtics with 32 points while also adding nine rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Jaylen Brown added 25 points, nine assists and six boards. Kemba Walker contributed 14 points and four assists, and Tristan Thompson also had 14 points but adding nine rebounds to his tally. Aaron Nesmith looked solid off the bench and added 10 points.
The Pelicans (13-17) had to come from behind to top the Celtics (15-15) in this one, as New Orleans were down early in the game but mounted a huge rally in the second half only to escape with the win in overtime. The Celtics jumped out to a 30-28 lead in the first half and stretched that advantage to a 16-points halftime lead following a 33-19 second quarter. The Pelicans made it a 13-point game heading into the fourth following a 27-24 third quarter, but New Orleans had to come back from an even bigger deficit -- they were down by 24 points (79-55) midway through the third quarter. New Orleans forced overtime following a 34-21 fourth quarter, but it wasn't an easy accomplishment -- Zion Williamson converted an and-one with only 6.9 seconds left before Jayson Tatum forced overtime with a floater, leaving just 0.2 seconds left on the clock. The Pelicans limited Boston to just seven points in OT, though, and Brandon Ingram sealed the game with a three-pointer with only 33.3 seconds left on the clock. The Pelicans adjusted defensively and that was enough to secure the win.
Brandon Ingram not only scored the go-ahead three-pointer in overtime, but he also paced the Pelicans with 33 points while adding six rebounds and three assists. Zion Williamson contributed 28 points and 10 rebounds but also had four assists, and Lonzo Ball chipped in with 16 points, six boards and four dimes -- despite committing six turnovers as well. Josh Hart impressed off the bench with 17 points and 10 rebounds across 37 minutes.
Jayson Tatum carried the Celtics with 32 points while also adding nine rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Jaylen Brown added 25 points, nine assists and six boards. Kemba Walker contributed 14 points and four assists, and Tristan Thompson also had 14 points but adding nine rebounds to his tally. Aaron Nesmith looked solid off the bench and added 10 points.
Thunder Cruise, Secure Win Over Cavaliers
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 117-101, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Sunday evening.
The Thunder (12-18) needed a bounce-back performance since they entered Sunday's game in the midst of a spiral, as they've dropped three straight and six of the last seven overall, but they got exactly that with a huge win over a struggling Cavaliers (10-21) team that extended their losing streak to 10 games -- they once looked like a potential playoff contender, but all signs point towards them being left out of the postseason once again. The Thunder grabbed control of the game early and jumped out to a 31-28 lead in the first quarter, and they further extended that lead to 11 points after outscoring Cleveland by a 31-23 margin in the second quarter. Cleveland showed signs of life in the third quarter (24-24) but the Thunder closed it out in the fourth with a 31-26 score. In the end, it turned out to be a comfortable win for the Thunder -- something they were desperately needing given how their recent games had developed.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with a 31-point performance that also included nine assists and four rebounds, while Theo Maledon ended with 14 points and Al Horford contributed 16 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Luguentz Dort ended with 10 points, while Mike Muscala had 13 points and five boards off the bench. The Thunder shot 54.4 percent from the field and an impressive 46.4 percent from deep in the win.
Collin Sexton and Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with 27 and 26 points, respectively -- Sexton also contributed five rebounds and three dimes while Allen also chipped in with 17 boards, three blocks and two assists. Darius Garland ended with 21 points and eight assists. The Cavaliers shot 46.4 percent from the field, but they also shot a very disappointing 22.9 percent from three-point range.
The Thunder (12-18) needed a bounce-back performance since they entered Sunday's game in the midst of a spiral, as they've dropped three straight and six of the last seven overall, but they got exactly that with a huge win over a struggling Cavaliers (10-21) team that extended their losing streak to 10 games -- they once looked like a potential playoff contender, but all signs point towards them being left out of the postseason once again. The Thunder grabbed control of the game early and jumped out to a 31-28 lead in the first quarter, and they further extended that lead to 11 points after outscoring Cleveland by a 31-23 margin in the second quarter. Cleveland showed signs of life in the third quarter (24-24) but the Thunder closed it out in the fourth with a 31-26 score. In the end, it turned out to be a comfortable win for the Thunder -- something they were desperately needing given how their recent games had developed.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with a 31-point performance that also included nine assists and four rebounds, while Theo Maledon ended with 14 points and Al Horford contributed 16 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Luguentz Dort ended with 10 points, while Mike Muscala had 13 points and five boards off the bench. The Thunder shot 54.4 percent from the field and an impressive 46.4 percent from deep in the win.
Collin Sexton and Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with 27 and 26 points, respectively -- Sexton also contributed five rebounds and three dimes while Allen also chipped in with 17 boards, three blocks and two assists. Darius Garland ended with 21 points and eight assists. The Cavaliers shot 46.4 percent from the field, but they also shot a very disappointing 22.9 percent from three-point range.
Knicks Escape Timberwolves, 103-99
The New York Knicks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 103-99, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday evening.
The Knicks (15-16) appeared on their way to a relatively relaxed night through the first 12 minutes, as they jumped out to a 30-18 lead through one. The Timberwolves (7-24) played exponentially better on offense in the second while racking up 32 points, but they still made just a one-point dent in their double-digit deficit. When New York managed to expand its advantage by five in the third quarter, the contest appeared all but decided, but Minnesota wasn't done. The visitors managed to battle all the way back to take a 98-97 lead with just 1:44 left, but six clutch free throws by Julius Randle (two) and Alec Burks (four) helped seal the victory for coach Tom Thibodeau against his most recent ex-employer.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with a 27-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included four assists, three blocks and one steal. Ricky Rubio managed 18 points, six assists and one steal. Anthony Edwards contributed 12 points, four assists and three rebounds. Naz Reid furnished 11 points and eight rebounds.
Randle paced the Knicks with 25 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. R.J. Barrett totaled 21 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Burks finished with 13 points and six boards. Elfrid Payton delivered 11 points, seven assists and one rebound. Nerlens Noel and Reggie Bullock offered matching 10-point tallies while pulling down nine and two rebounds, respectively.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and next visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, while the Knicks remain home and host the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night as well.
The Knicks (15-16) appeared on their way to a relatively relaxed night through the first 12 minutes, as they jumped out to a 30-18 lead through one. The Timberwolves (7-24) played exponentially better on offense in the second while racking up 32 points, but they still made just a one-point dent in their double-digit deficit. When New York managed to expand its advantage by five in the third quarter, the contest appeared all but decided, but Minnesota wasn't done. The visitors managed to battle all the way back to take a 98-97 lead with just 1:44 left, but six clutch free throws by Julius Randle (two) and Alec Burks (four) helped seal the victory for coach Tom Thibodeau against his most recent ex-employer.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with a 27-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included four assists, three blocks and one steal. Ricky Rubio managed 18 points, six assists and one steal. Anthony Edwards contributed 12 points, four assists and three rebounds. Naz Reid furnished 11 points and eight rebounds.
Randle paced the Knicks with 25 points, 14 rebounds and four assists. R.J. Barrett totaled 21 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Burks finished with 13 points and six boards. Elfrid Payton delivered 11 points, seven assists and one rebound. Nerlens Noel and Reggie Bullock offered matching 10-point tallies while pulling down nine and two rebounds, respectively.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and next visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, while the Knicks remain home and host the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night as well.
Magic Topples Pistons, 105-96
The Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons, 105-96, at Amway Center on Sunday evening.
The Magic (13-18) opened the game in the same solid form that had led to three wins in their previous four contests, leading 28-26 after one and 56-48 at halftime. The Pistons (8-22) didn't really have a post-intermission surge, making only a one-point inroad into their deficit during the third quarter. Orlando continued to play excellent defense in the final period, limiting the visitors to just 20 fourth-quarter points on the way to victory.a
Jerami Grant paced the Pistons with 24 points, supplementing them with five rebounds and four assists. Josh Jackson generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Saben Lee furnished 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Saddiq Bey delivered 11 points, eight rebounds and one steal. Mason Plumlee contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with a 37-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Evan Fournier registered 29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Terrance Ross supplied 17 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The two teams reconvene at Amway Center for a rematch Tuesday night.
The Magic (13-18) opened the game in the same solid form that had led to three wins in their previous four contests, leading 28-26 after one and 56-48 at halftime. The Pistons (8-22) didn't really have a post-intermission surge, making only a one-point inroad into their deficit during the third quarter. Orlando continued to play excellent defense in the final period, limiting the visitors to just 20 fourth-quarter points on the way to victory.a
Jerami Grant paced the Pistons with 24 points, supplementing them with five rebounds and four assists. Josh Jackson generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Saben Lee furnished 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Saddiq Bey delivered 11 points, eight rebounds and one steal. Mason Plumlee contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with a 37-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Evan Fournier registered 29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Terrance Ross supplied 17 points, four rebounds and three assists.
The two teams reconvene at Amway Center for a rematch Tuesday night.
Raptors Top Sixers In First Of Two Straight Contests
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 110-103, at Amalie Arena on Sunday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, but the Raptors emerged with a four-point lead after one quarter. The 76ers gained some momentum in the second and outscored the Raptors by seven points in the quarter to take a three-point lead into halftime. The contest stayed tight through the third, as the Raptors trimmed the deficit by two, making it a one-point game heading into the final l frame. The Raptors took control in the fourth and outscored the visitors by eight points in the quarter to close out their fourth straight win.
Fred VanVleet finished with 23 points, nine assists, five rebounds, a steal and a block, while Pascal Siakam totaled 23 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and a steal, to lead the Raptors. Chris Boucher added 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 5-of-6 from downtown. The Raptors shot 49 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ben Simmons led the 76ers with 28 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Joel Embiid added 25 points, 17 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Tobias Harris finished with 13 points, seven assists, four rebounds, a steal and a block. The Sixers shot 39 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from deep.
The Raptors (16-15) and 76ers (20-11) face off again on Tuesday at Amalie Arena.
The contest got out to a competitive start, but the Raptors emerged with a four-point lead after one quarter. The 76ers gained some momentum in the second and outscored the Raptors by seven points in the quarter to take a three-point lead into halftime. The contest stayed tight through the third, as the Raptors trimmed the deficit by two, making it a one-point game heading into the final l frame. The Raptors took control in the fourth and outscored the visitors by eight points in the quarter to close out their fourth straight win.
Fred VanVleet finished with 23 points, nine assists, five rebounds, a steal and a block, while Pascal Siakam totaled 23 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and a steal, to lead the Raptors. Chris Boucher added 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 5-of-6 from downtown. The Raptors shot 49 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ben Simmons led the 76ers with 28 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Joel Embiid added 25 points, 17 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Tobias Harris finished with 13 points, seven assists, four rebounds, a steal and a block. The Sixers shot 39 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from deep.
The Raptors (16-15) and 76ers (20-11) face off again on Tuesday at Amalie Arena.
Hawks Hang On In High-Scoring Bout
By Dan Bruno
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 123-115, at State Farm Arena on Sunday evening.
The Nuggets got out to a good start on the road with a, 33-27, lead after one quarter, but the Hawks turned it up a notch in the second, where they outscored the visitors by 14 points, to take an eight-point lead into halftime. The Hawks kept up the momentum in the third, where they added another nine points to their cushion, making it a 17-point lead heading into the final frame. The Nuggets put together a strong push in the fourth, but the Hawks pulled it out in the end, as they hung on for the home win.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 35 points, 15 assists, six rebounds and a steal, in 36 minutes. Clint Capela added 22 points, 10 rebounds and a block, while John Collins totaled 12 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Hawks shot 52 percent from the field, including 12-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 30 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Nikola Jokic added 15 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Facundo Campazzo chipped in 16 points on 4-of-7 shooting, off the bench. The Nuggets shot 51 percent from the field, including 16-of-36 from long range.
The Nuggets (16-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday. The Hawks (13-17) take on the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Tuesday.
The Nuggets got out to a good start on the road with a, 33-27, lead after one quarter, but the Hawks turned it up a notch in the second, where they outscored the visitors by 14 points, to take an eight-point lead into halftime. The Hawks kept up the momentum in the third, where they added another nine points to their cushion, making it a 17-point lead heading into the final frame. The Nuggets put together a strong push in the fourth, but the Hawks pulled it out in the end, as they hung on for the home win.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 35 points, 15 assists, six rebounds and a steal, in 36 minutes. Clint Capela added 22 points, 10 rebounds and a block, while John Collins totaled 12 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Hawks shot 52 percent from the field, including 12-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 30 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Nikola Jokic added 15 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Facundo Campazzo chipped in 16 points on 4-of-7 shooting, off the bench. The Nuggets shot 51 percent from the field, including 16-of-36 from long range.
The Nuggets (16-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Tuesday. The Hawks (13-17) take on the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Tuesday.
Nets Defeat Clippers, 112-108
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 112-108, at Staples Center on Sunday.
While Brooklyn led by a game-high 15 points with 8:30 remaining, Los Angeles fought all the way back to tie the game with 30 seconds remaining. The Nets were able to prevail though, with Deandre Jordan making a game-winning tip on a Kyrie Irving miss with 12 seconds remaining. That was actually key all game long, with Brooklyn outscoring Los Angeles in the paint, 60-38. The Nets also recorded 10 steals to the Clippers three, winning the turnover battle, 16-6. Brooklyn also outscored Los Angeles in fastbreak points, 13-7.
The Nets (20-12) were led by James Harden and his 37 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Kyrie Irving amassed 28 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Joe Harris accrued 13 points, two rebounds and two assists while Bruce Brown generated 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and four steals. Jordan led the bench with 13 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and four blocks with that game-winner.
The Clippers (22-10) were led by Paul George, tallying 34 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. Kawhi Leonard collected 29 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. No other starter reached double figures in scoring but Serge Ibaka did have eight points and eight rebounds. Ivica Zubac led the bench with 13 points and eight boards.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday against the two-worst defenses in the NBA, with Brooklyn playing host to the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles remaining home to face the Washington Wizards.
While Brooklyn led by a game-high 15 points with 8:30 remaining, Los Angeles fought all the way back to tie the game with 30 seconds remaining. The Nets were able to prevail though, with Deandre Jordan making a game-winning tip on a Kyrie Irving miss with 12 seconds remaining. That was actually key all game long, with Brooklyn outscoring Los Angeles in the paint, 60-38. The Nets also recorded 10 steals to the Clippers three, winning the turnover battle, 16-6. Brooklyn also outscored Los Angeles in fastbreak points, 13-7.
The Nets (20-12) were led by James Harden and his 37 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Kyrie Irving amassed 28 points, four rebounds and eight assists. Joe Harris accrued 13 points, two rebounds and two assists while Bruce Brown generated 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and four steals. Jordan led the bench with 13 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and four blocks with that game-winner.
The Clippers (22-10) were led by Paul George, tallying 34 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two blocks. Kawhi Leonard collected 29 points, 13 rebounds and three assists. No other starter reached double figures in scoring but Serge Ibaka did have eight points and eight rebounds. Ivica Zubac led the bench with 13 points and eight boards.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday against the two-worst defenses in the NBA, with Brooklyn playing host to the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles remaining home to face the Washington Wizards.
Bucks Defeat Kings, 128-115
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 128-115, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday.
While there were five ties and three lead changes in the first quarter, Milwaukee never trailed after that. In fact, they rode a 42-31 second quarter to a 14-point halftime lead, with Sacramento never getting within single-digits in the second half. The Bucks shot 49 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Milwaukee also out-rebounded Sacramento, 56-43, and outscored them in second-chance points, 21-14.
The Kings (12-18) were led by Tyler Haliburton, providing 23 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals off the bench. DaQuan Jeffries led the starters with 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Buddy Hield totaled 13 points, three rebounds and three assists. De'Aaron Fox tallied 13 points and 10 assists while Richaun Holmes had 11 points and 11 boards.
The Bucks (18-13) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and his 38 points, 18 rebounds and four assists on 19-of-24 from the free-throw line. Khris Middleton accumulated 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks. Donte DiVincenzo compiled 16 points, two rebounds and three assists. Pat Connaughton led the bench with 12 points and six boards.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Milwaukee remaining home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento traveling to face the Brooklyn Nets.
While there were five ties and three lead changes in the first quarter, Milwaukee never trailed after that. In fact, they rode a 42-31 second quarter to a 14-point halftime lead, with Sacramento never getting within single-digits in the second half. The Bucks shot 49 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Milwaukee also out-rebounded Sacramento, 56-43, and outscored them in second-chance points, 21-14.
The Kings (12-18) were led by Tyler Haliburton, providing 23 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals off the bench. DaQuan Jeffries led the starters with 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Buddy Hield totaled 13 points, three rebounds and three assists. De'Aaron Fox tallied 13 points and 10 assists while Richaun Holmes had 11 points and 11 boards.
The Bucks (18-13) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and his 38 points, 18 rebounds and four assists on 19-of-24 from the free-throw line. Khris Middleton accumulated 32 points, eight rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks. Donte DiVincenzo compiled 16 points, two rebounds and three assists. Pat Connaughton led the bench with 12 points and six boards.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Milwaukee remaining home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento traveling to face the Brooklyn Nets.