Hawks Dominate, Secure Big Win Over Celtics
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics, 127-112, at StateFarm Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Hawks (14-18) were coming off a woeful loss against the Cavaliers on Tuesday and were coming off just three wins in their last 12 games, but that didn't seem to be the case Wednesday -- they destroyed the Celtics (15-17) and used a dominant first half to pull away for good. Atlanta quickly grabbed control of the game and raced out to a 40-27 lead in the first quarter -- they'd never let that advantage go and even stretched it even further following a 32-22 second-quarter score. The Celtics showed some signs of late in the third quarter (29-27) and also won the final 12 minutes of action by a 34-28 score, but the damage was already done. The Hawks ended winning the game rather easily and managed to deliver a bounce-back performance, while the Celtics continue to disappoint and now they're two games under the .500 threshold.
Trae Young was a dominant force on offense for the Hawks and carried the team with a 33-point performance while also adding seven assists and four rebounds. John Collins had 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Tony Snell delivered 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. The big star of the night was Danilo Gallinari, however, as he ended with 38 points off the bench. The Hawks shot 51.8 percent from the field and 54.8 percent from three-point range.
Seven Boston players scored in double digits but no player reached the 20-point plateau. Jaylen Brown led the team with 17 points, while Jayson Tatum and Tristan Thompson each had 13 points -- Thompson also contributed 13 rebounds. Jeff Teague added 14 points and Aaron Nesmith had 13 points off the bench. The Celtics shot 44.2 percent from the field and a meager 25.8 percent from three-point range.
The Hawks (14-18) were coming off a woeful loss against the Cavaliers on Tuesday and were coming off just three wins in their last 12 games, but that didn't seem to be the case Wednesday -- they destroyed the Celtics (15-17) and used a dominant first half to pull away for good. Atlanta quickly grabbed control of the game and raced out to a 40-27 lead in the first quarter -- they'd never let that advantage go and even stretched it even further following a 32-22 second-quarter score. The Celtics showed some signs of late in the third quarter (29-27) and also won the final 12 minutes of action by a 34-28 score, but the damage was already done. The Hawks ended winning the game rather easily and managed to deliver a bounce-back performance, while the Celtics continue to disappoint and now they're two games under the .500 threshold.
Trae Young was a dominant force on offense for the Hawks and carried the team with a 33-point performance while also adding seven assists and four rebounds. John Collins had 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Tony Snell delivered 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. The big star of the night was Danilo Gallinari, however, as he ended with 38 points off the bench. The Hawks shot 51.8 percent from the field and 54.8 percent from three-point range.
Seven Boston players scored in double digits but no player reached the 20-point plateau. Jaylen Brown led the team with 17 points, while Jayson Tatum and Tristan Thompson each had 13 points -- Thompson also contributed 13 rebounds. Jeff Teague added 14 points and Aaron Nesmith had 13 points off the bench. The Celtics shot 44.2 percent from the field and a meager 25.8 percent from three-point range.
Cavaliers Topple Rockets, 112-96
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Houston Rockets, 112-96, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers (12-21) opened the game in fine form, but they saw the 10-point lead they'd built after one quarter turn into a two-point deficit by halftime. However, Cleveland came out of intermission a determined squad, building an eight-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter courtesy of a 34-point tally in the third, and a 9-0 run midway through the final period after Houston had closed to within six helped ensure the win.
John Wall led the way for the Rockets with 20 points, complementing them with three assists, one rebound, two steals and two blocks. Victor Oladipo and Eric Gordon furnished matching 17-point efforts, with Oladipo adding six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Danuel House supplied 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and three blocks. David Nwaba poured in 12 points.
Jarrett Allen paced the Cavaliers with a 26-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included two assists and four blocks. Collin Sexton registered 23 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dylan Winder turned in 13 points, four boards and two assists. Darius Garland generated an 11-point, 10-assist double-double that also included four rebounds. Dean Wade matched Garland's scoring total and provided six boards and two assists. Isaac Okoro contributed 10 points.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors in their temporary Tampa home on Friday night, while the Cavaliers visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.
The Cavaliers (12-21) opened the game in fine form, but they saw the 10-point lead they'd built after one quarter turn into a two-point deficit by halftime. However, Cleveland came out of intermission a determined squad, building an eight-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter courtesy of a 34-point tally in the third, and a 9-0 run midway through the final period after Houston had closed to within six helped ensure the win.
John Wall led the way for the Rockets with 20 points, complementing them with three assists, one rebound, two steals and two blocks. Victor Oladipo and Eric Gordon furnished matching 17-point efforts, with Oladipo adding six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Danuel House supplied 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and three blocks. David Nwaba poured in 12 points.
Jarrett Allen paced the Cavaliers with a 26-point, 18-rebound double-double that also included two assists and four blocks. Collin Sexton registered 23 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Dylan Winder turned in 13 points, four boards and two assists. Darius Garland generated an 11-point, 10-assist double-double that also included four rebounds. Dean Wade matched Garland's scoring total and provided six boards and two assists. Isaac Okoro contributed 10 points.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors in their temporary Tampa home on Friday night, while the Cavaliers visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.
Warriors Hold Off Pacers In Indiana
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Indiana Pacers, 111-107, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Warriors took a, 25-22, lead after one quarter. The Warriors held the edge for most of the second, but the Pacers closed the quarter strong to grab a two-point lead by halftime. The Pacers came out strong in the third, but the Warriors claimed control as they closed the quarter on a, 10-5, run to take a four-point lead into the final frame. The Pacers kept it close through the fourth, but the Warriors managed to hang on to the edge the rest of the way and close out their second straight win.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 24 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr. followed up with 17 points and five rebounds, while Draymond Green totaled 12 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks. The Warriors shot 47 percent from the field, including 5-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Brogdon was the high-point man for the Pacers, with 24 points on 10-of-20 shooting, in 34 minutes. Domantas Sabonis added 22 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Myles Turner chipped in 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal. The Pacers shot 46 percent from the field, including 7-of-29 from deep.
The Pacers (15-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Celtics in Boston on Friday. The Warriors (18-15) play host to the Hornets on Friday.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Warriors took a, 25-22, lead after one quarter. The Warriors held the edge for most of the second, but the Pacers closed the quarter strong to grab a two-point lead by halftime. The Pacers came out strong in the third, but the Warriors claimed control as they closed the quarter on a, 10-5, run to take a four-point lead into the final frame. The Pacers kept it close through the fourth, but the Warriors managed to hang on to the edge the rest of the way and close out their second straight win.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 24 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr. followed up with 17 points and five rebounds, while Draymond Green totaled 12 points, 11 assists, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks. The Warriors shot 47 percent from the field, including 5-of-26 from long range.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Brogdon was the high-point man for the Pacers, with 24 points on 10-of-20 shooting, in 34 minutes. Domantas Sabonis added 22 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block, while Myles Turner chipped in 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal. The Pacers shot 46 percent from the field, including 7-of-29 from deep.
The Pacers (15-15) will look to bounce back as they take on the Celtics in Boston on Friday. The Warriors (18-15) play host to the Hornets on Friday.
Pelicans Come From Behind, Secure Win Over Pistons
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Detroit Pistons, 128-118, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday evening.
The Pelicans (14-17) got off to a slow start Wednesday but managed to turn things around right before it was too late and ended securing a comfortable win over the Pistons (9-23) -- but the win was anything but easy given how the game developed. Detroit jumped out to a six-point lead in the first quarter and still held the advantage after the first half despite the fact New Orleans won the second quarter (30-31). The Pelicans evened things up by the time the third quarter came to an end (96-96), but the Pelicans ran away with the win in the final 12 minutes. Detroit fought hard, but the New Orleans pulled away for good in the final minutes and ended winning by a 32-22 score. The Pelicans shot 55.6 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three-point range, while the Pistons shot 52.8 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from deep.
Zion Williamson delivered an impressive performance in the win, as he ended with 32 points (13-18 FG) while also adding six rebounds and five assists. Brandon Ingram registered 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, while Steven Adams contributed a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds. Lonzo Ball had 12 points, eight assists, six rebounds and three steals, while Eric Bledsoe chipped in with 11 points. Josh Hart also added 11 points off the bench.
Mason Plumlee led the Pistons with 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, while Saddiq Bey had 13 points and Dennis Smith contributed 11 points. Josh Jackson was the team's highest-scoring player, however, as he delivered 25 points off the bench. Saben Lee had 13 points and Isaiah Stewart added 11 points with 10 rebounds -- both off the bench.
The Pelicans (14-17) got off to a slow start Wednesday but managed to turn things around right before it was too late and ended securing a comfortable win over the Pistons (9-23) -- but the win was anything but easy given how the game developed. Detroit jumped out to a six-point lead in the first quarter and still held the advantage after the first half despite the fact New Orleans won the second quarter (30-31). The Pelicans evened things up by the time the third quarter came to an end (96-96), but the Pelicans ran away with the win in the final 12 minutes. Detroit fought hard, but the New Orleans pulled away for good in the final minutes and ended winning by a 32-22 score. The Pelicans shot 55.6 percent from the field and 43.5 percent from three-point range, while the Pistons shot 52.8 percent from the field and 35.1 percent from deep.
Zion Williamson delivered an impressive performance in the win, as he ended with 32 points (13-18 FG) while also adding six rebounds and five assists. Brandon Ingram registered 27 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, while Steven Adams contributed a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds. Lonzo Ball had 12 points, eight assists, six rebounds and three steals, while Eric Bledsoe chipped in with 11 points. Josh Hart also added 11 points off the bench.
Mason Plumlee led the Pistons with 21 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, while Saddiq Bey had 13 points and Dennis Smith contributed 11 points. Josh Jackson was the team's highest-scoring player, however, as he delivered 25 points off the bench. Saben Lee had 13 points and Isaiah Stewart added 11 points with 10 rebounds -- both off the bench.
Bulls Overcome Timberwolves in OT, 133-126
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime, 133-126, at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Bulls (15-16) looked like they had perhaps taken a struggling Timberwolves (7-26) team lightly early, as Minnesota somewhat surprisingly jumped out to a 34-32 lead through one. However, Chicago came back to build a 10-point advantage by halftime, and still held a six-point edge going into the final period. Minnesota battled throughout the fourth quarter to remain within striking distance, and Coby White's particularly ill-timed three-point shooting foul on Ricky Rubio with 4.9 seconds remaining led to the veteran guard making good on his trio of opportunities from the free-throw line to force overtime. The home squad then started fast in the extra period with a 7-0 run and managed to hold off a couple of surges with the help of three free throws of their own.
Malik Beasley led the way for the Timberwolves with 25 points, adding two rebounds and one assist. Karl-Anthony Towns followed with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Anthony Edwards delivered 21 points, nine boards, six assists and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt managed 16 points, six rebounds, one assist and four steals. Naz Reid turned in 13 points, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal, while Jaylen Nowell poured in 12 points.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 35 points, complementing them with two rebounds and two assists. White finished with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Wendell Carter generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and two blocks. Tomas Satoransky supplied 16 points, five rebounds and four assists. Thaddeus Young registered 14 points, six assists, two rebounds and four steals, while Patrick Williams offered 13 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and pay a visit to the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.
The Bulls (15-16) looked like they had perhaps taken a struggling Timberwolves (7-26) team lightly early, as Minnesota somewhat surprisingly jumped out to a 34-32 lead through one. However, Chicago came back to build a 10-point advantage by halftime, and still held a six-point edge going into the final period. Minnesota battled throughout the fourth quarter to remain within striking distance, and Coby White's particularly ill-timed three-point shooting foul on Ricky Rubio with 4.9 seconds remaining led to the veteran guard making good on his trio of opportunities from the free-throw line to force overtime. The home squad then started fast in the extra period with a 7-0 run and managed to hold off a couple of surges with the help of three free throws of their own.
Malik Beasley led the way for the Timberwolves with 25 points, adding two rebounds and one assist. Karl-Anthony Towns followed with 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Anthony Edwards delivered 21 points, nine boards, six assists and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt managed 16 points, six rebounds, one assist and four steals. Naz Reid turned in 13 points, four rebounds, three blocks and one steal, while Jaylen Nowell poured in 12 points.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 35 points, complementing them with two rebounds and two assists. White finished with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Wendell Carter generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and two blocks. Tomas Satoransky supplied 16 points, five rebounds and four assists. Thaddeus Young registered 14 points, six assists, two rebounds and four steals, while Patrick Williams offered 13 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
The Timberwolves remain on the road and pay a visit to the Washington Wizards on Saturday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.
Heat Notch Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 116-108, at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start with the Raptors holding a, 35-32, lead after one quarter. The Heat picked it up in the second and outscored the visitors by 13 points in the quarter to grab a 10-point lead by halftime. The Raptors came out stronger again in the third, but the Heat stayed in control and hung on to a seven-point lead heading into the final frame. The Raptors kept fighting through the fourth and cut it to a two-point game, with just over five minutes to go in the contest, but the Heat closed on a, 16-10, run to secure their fourth straight win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Raptors.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 27 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, three steals and a block, in 34 minutes. Bam Adebayo added 19 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Duncan Robinson chipped in 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Heat shot 46 percent from the field, including 17-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet totaled 24 points, seven assists and four rebounds, while Kyle Lowry finished with 24 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals, to lead the Raptors. Norman Powell added 17 points, three assists and a steal, while O.G. Anunoby added 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Raptors (17-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Friday. The Heat (15-17) play host to the Jazz on Friday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start with the Raptors holding a, 35-32, lead after one quarter. The Heat picked it up in the second and outscored the visitors by 13 points in the quarter to grab a 10-point lead by halftime. The Raptors came out stronger again in the third, but the Heat stayed in control and hung on to a seven-point lead heading into the final frame. The Raptors kept fighting through the fourth and cut it to a two-point game, with just over five minutes to go in the contest, but the Heat closed on a, 16-10, run to secure their fourth straight win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Raptors.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 27 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, three steals and a block, in 34 minutes. Bam Adebayo added 19 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, while Duncan Robinson chipped in 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Heat shot 46 percent from the field, including 17-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet totaled 24 points, seven assists and four rebounds, while Kyle Lowry finished with 24 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and two steals, to lead the Raptors. Norman Powell added 17 points, three assists and a steal, while O.G. Anunoby added 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Raptors (17-16) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Friday. The Heat (15-17) play host to the Jazz on Friday.
Thunder Defeat Spurs, 102-99
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Sam Antonio Spurs, 102-99, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday.
While San Antonio had to play this game with five guys missing, it came down to the final shot. In fact, there were seven ties and 13 lead changes in total, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. Luguentz Dort was the hero for OKC, breaking a tied game with a buzzer-beating three in the corner. That capped off a 62-54 second half for the Thunder, overcoming an 11-point third quarter deficit. Oklahoma City ended up shooting 18-of-44 from three-point range and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line while San Antonio shot just 9-of-25 from long range and 10-of-15 from the charity stripe. The Thunder also out-rebounded the Spurs, 52-44.
The Spurs (16-12) were led by Dejounte Murray and his 27 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. Lonnie Walker amassed 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jakob Poeltl amassed seven points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Patty Mills led the bench with 15 points and three assists.
The Thunder (13-19) got a career-high 42 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, providing eight rebounds and four assists on 13-of-20 from the field. Al Horford tallied 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Dort hit that game-winner and finished with 16 points and four boards. Darius Bazley led the team with 10 rebounds but went scoreless on eight shots.
On deck for Oklahoma City is another home game against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. As for San Antonio, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
While San Antonio had to play this game with five guys missing, it came down to the final shot. In fact, there were seven ties and 13 lead changes in total, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. Luguentz Dort was the hero for OKC, breaking a tied game with a buzzer-beating three in the corner. That capped off a 62-54 second half for the Thunder, overcoming an 11-point third quarter deficit. Oklahoma City ended up shooting 18-of-44 from three-point range and 10-of-11 from the free-throw line while San Antonio shot just 9-of-25 from long range and 10-of-15 from the charity stripe. The Thunder also out-rebounded the Spurs, 52-44.
The Spurs (16-12) were led by Dejounte Murray and his 27 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals. Lonnie Walker amassed 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jakob Poeltl amassed seven points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Patty Mills led the bench with 15 points and three assists.
The Thunder (13-19) got a career-high 42 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, providing eight rebounds and four assists on 13-of-20 from the field. Al Horford tallied 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Dort hit that game-winner and finished with 16 points and four boards. Darius Bazley led the team with 10 rebounds but went scoreless on eight shots.
On deck for Oklahoma City is another home game against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. As for San Antonio, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Hornets Defeat Suns, 124-121
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 124-121, at Phoenix Suns Arena on Wednesday.
While there were only four ties and five lead changes in this game, it came down to the final shot. In fact, Devin Booker had a three-point attempt at the buzzer from the left wing to tie the game but narrowly missed. The Hornets outscored the Suns in the second and third quarters, 63-53, holding the lead for the final 20 minutes of play. The key for Charlotte was their free-throw shooting, connecting on 25-of-27 while Phoenix hit 19-of-27. In addition, the Hornets bench outscored the Suns bench, 54-34.
The Hornets (15-16) were led by Malik Monk, providing 29 points, two rebounds and three assists off the bench. Gordon Hayward led the starters with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. LaMelo Ball amassed 20 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Terry Rozier had 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Suns (20-11) were led by Booker and his 33 points, and three assists. Chris Paul collected 20 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Deandre Ayton totaled 16 points and 10 boards. Mikal Bridges generated 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks while Cameron Johnson led the bench with 14 points and five rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Charlotte remaining on the road to play the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix traveling to face the Chicago Bulls.
While there were only four ties and five lead changes in this game, it came down to the final shot. In fact, Devin Booker had a three-point attempt at the buzzer from the left wing to tie the game but narrowly missed. The Hornets outscored the Suns in the second and third quarters, 63-53, holding the lead for the final 20 minutes of play. The key for Charlotte was their free-throw shooting, connecting on 25-of-27 while Phoenix hit 19-of-27. In addition, the Hornets bench outscored the Suns bench, 54-34.
The Hornets (15-16) were led by Malik Monk, providing 29 points, two rebounds and three assists off the bench. Gordon Hayward led the starters with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists. LaMelo Ball amassed 20 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Terry Rozier had 10 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
The Suns (20-11) were led by Booker and his 33 points, and three assists. Chris Paul collected 20 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. Deandre Ayton totaled 16 points and 10 boards. Mikal Bridges generated 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks while Cameron Johnson led the bench with 14 points and five rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Charlotte remaining on the road to play the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix traveling to face the Chicago Bulls.
Jazz Throttle Lakers, 114-89
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 114-89, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday.
Utah dominated the middle quarters of this game. outscoring Los Angeles, 39-24, in the second quarter, and 27-17 in the third quarter. That allowed them to hold a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half while leading by at least 20 points for the final 20 minutes. The Jazz shot 47 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Lakers to 40 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range. They did that while out-rebounding Los Angeles, 53-45, and out-assisting them, 28-17.
The Lakers (22-11) were led by LeBron James and his 19 points, four rebounds and four assists. Markieff Morris started and amassed 12 points and nine rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker collected eight points, five rebounds and five assists. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 16 points and six rebounds. No player had double-digit rebounds or more than five assists.
The Jazz (26-6) were led by Rudy Gobert, totaling 18 points and nine rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic compiled 15 points, two rebounds two assists and two steals. Mike Conley tallied 14 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Donovan Mitchell finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday against resurgent teams, with Utah traveling to face the Miami Heat and Los Angeles returning home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
Utah dominated the middle quarters of this game. outscoring Los Angeles, 39-24, in the second quarter, and 27-17 in the third quarter. That allowed them to hold a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half while leading by at least 20 points for the final 20 minutes. The Jazz shot 47 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Lakers to 40 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range. They did that while out-rebounding Los Angeles, 53-45, and out-assisting them, 28-17.
The Lakers (22-11) were led by LeBron James and his 19 points, four rebounds and four assists. Markieff Morris started and amassed 12 points and nine rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker collected eight points, five rebounds and five assists. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 16 points and six rebounds. No player had double-digit rebounds or more than five assists.
The Jazz (26-6) were led by Rudy Gobert, totaling 18 points and nine rebounds. Bojan Bogdanovic compiled 15 points, two rebounds two assists and two steals. Mike Conley tallied 14 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Donovan Mitchell finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday against resurgent teams, with Utah traveling to face the Miami Heat and Los Angeles returning home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.