Lakers Hold On, Get Past Spurs
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 114-106, at Staples Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Lakers (8-6) had to fight hard but sneaked away with a rather comfortable win over a Spurs (4-9) team that tried to fight but ultimately didn’t have enough weapons to complete a fourth-quarter comeback. Los Angeles jumped out to a 34-29 lead in the first quarter and quickly set the tone of the contest, maintaining that five-point advantage until the halftime break. The Lakers bolstered their advantage with a 30-24 score in the third quarter and it seemed as if they would run away with the win thanks to their 11-point advantage with only 12 minutes left on the clock. San Antonio won the final quarter by a 27-24 score in the fourth quarter, but that wasn’t enough to mount a comeback and the Lakers ended winning with ease.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 34 points and 15 rebounds, while Russell Westbrook came close to putting up a triple-double thanks to 14 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Carmelo Anthony scored 15 points as a starter, while Talen Horton-Tucker chipped in with 17 points. Malik Monk and Wayne Ellington thrived off the bench, as they ended with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Monk also dished out four assists.
Dejounte Murray carried the Spurs with a triple-double of 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, though Keldon Johnson was the team’s highest scorer with 24 points while also adding six boards. Derrick White had 10 points, while Thaddeus Young nearly ended with a double-double off the bench thanks to 17 points and nine rebounds. Devin Vassell scored 19 points while coming off the bench.
The Lakers (8-6) had to fight hard but sneaked away with a rather comfortable win over a Spurs (4-9) team that tried to fight but ultimately didn’t have enough weapons to complete a fourth-quarter comeback. Los Angeles jumped out to a 34-29 lead in the first quarter and quickly set the tone of the contest, maintaining that five-point advantage until the halftime break. The Lakers bolstered their advantage with a 30-24 score in the third quarter and it seemed as if they would run away with the win thanks to their 11-point advantage with only 12 minutes left on the clock. San Antonio won the final quarter by a 27-24 score in the fourth quarter, but that wasn’t enough to mount a comeback and the Lakers ended winning with ease.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 34 points and 15 rebounds, while Russell Westbrook came close to putting up a triple-double thanks to 14 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists. Carmelo Anthony scored 15 points as a starter, while Talen Horton-Tucker chipped in with 17 points. Malik Monk and Wayne Ellington thrived off the bench, as they ended with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Monk also dished out four assists.
Dejounte Murray carried the Spurs with a triple-double of 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, though Keldon Johnson was the team’s highest scorer with 24 points while also adding six boards. Derrick White had 10 points, while Thaddeus Young nearly ended with a double-double off the bench thanks to 17 points and nine rebounds. Devin Vassell scored 19 points while coming off the bench.
Hawks Blast Bucks, 120-100
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 120-100, at State Farm Arena on Sunday evening.
The Hawks (5-9) checked into Sunday's game looking to put an end to an arduous losing streak that was increasingly threatening their season. They had a chance to do so while extracting a bit of revenge against the team that ousted them from the Eastern Conference Finals last summer in the process. Atlanta got off to a strong start in that regard, extending an eight-point first-quarter lead to a 14-point halftime advantage. The Bucks (6-8) managed to play their best quarter in the third and chipped off two points from their deficit in the process, but the hosts left no doubt as to the outcome when they outscored Milwaukee over the final period by a 31-23 margin.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 26 points, adding six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Jrue Holiday furnished 19 points, eight assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Grayson Allen delivered 18 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton generated matching 11-point, three-assist tallies while pulling down eight and five rebounds, respectively.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 42-point, 10-assist double-double that also included eight rebounds and one steal. John Collins supplied 19 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Clint Capela generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter registered 11 points, six boards and one assist. Danilo Gallinari poured in 10 points to lead the bench.
The Bucks return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, while the Hawks host the Orlando Magic on Monday night.
The Hawks (5-9) checked into Sunday's game looking to put an end to an arduous losing streak that was increasingly threatening their season. They had a chance to do so while extracting a bit of revenge against the team that ousted them from the Eastern Conference Finals last summer in the process. Atlanta got off to a strong start in that regard, extending an eight-point first-quarter lead to a 14-point halftime advantage. The Bucks (6-8) managed to play their best quarter in the third and chipped off two points from their deficit in the process, but the hosts left no doubt as to the outcome when they outscored Milwaukee over the final period by a 31-23 margin.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 26 points, adding six assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Jrue Holiday furnished 19 points, eight assists, one rebound, two steals and one block. Grayson Allen delivered 18 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton generated matching 11-point, three-assist tallies while pulling down eight and five rebounds, respectively.
Trae Young paced the Hawks with a 42-point, 10-assist double-double that also included eight rebounds and one steal. John Collins supplied 19 points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Clint Capela generated a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that included two assists and two steals. Kevin Huerter registered 11 points, six boards and one assist. Danilo Gallinari poured in 10 points to lead the bench.
The Bucks return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, while the Hawks host the Orlando Magic on Monday night.
Suns Handle Rockets, 115-89
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Houston Rockets, 115-89, at Toyota Center on Sunday night.
The Suns (9-3) knew that, on paper, their quest for an eighth straight win wasn't likely to encounter too much resistance from a reeling Rockets (1-12) squad. However, Phoenix was tested plenty during the first half, as Houston played competitively and trailed by just seven points at halftime. The third quarter changed the dynamic of the game for good, however, as the visitors forged a 29-19 advantage during the period that allowed them to coast to victory.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 26 points, complementing them with six assists, five rebounds and two steals. JaVale McGee followed with a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three blocks and one steal. Chris Paul provided 15 points, four assists, three rebounds and seven steals. Mikal Bridges supplied 14 points and six boards. Cameron Payne furnished 13 points, four assists, two boards and one steal.
Christian Wood paced the Rockets with 17 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds and one assist. Jalen Green and Eric Gordon generated matching 12-point, three-rebound tallies. Kevin Porter matched his teammates' scoring totals and also recorded six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Alperen Sengun posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one block.
The Suns remain on the road and tangle with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, while the Rockets visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night as well.
The Suns (9-3) knew that, on paper, their quest for an eighth straight win wasn't likely to encounter too much resistance from a reeling Rockets (1-12) squad. However, Phoenix was tested plenty during the first half, as Houston played competitively and trailed by just seven points at halftime. The third quarter changed the dynamic of the game for good, however, as the visitors forged a 29-19 advantage during the period that allowed them to coast to victory.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 26 points, complementing them with six assists, five rebounds and two steals. JaVale McGee followed with a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included one assist, three blocks and one steal. Chris Paul provided 15 points, four assists, three rebounds and seven steals. Mikal Bridges supplied 14 points and six boards. Cameron Payne furnished 13 points, four assists, two boards and one steal.
Christian Wood paced the Rockets with 17 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds and one assist. Jalen Green and Eric Gordon generated matching 12-point, three-rebound tallies. Kevin Porter matched his teammates' scoring totals and also recorded six rebounds, six assists and two steals. Alperen Sengun posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one block.
The Suns remain on the road and tangle with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night, while the Rockets visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night as well.
Nets Top Thunder For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 120-96, at Paycom Center on Sunday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Nets held a, 30-25, lead after one quarter. The Thunder came out strong in the second quarter and used a, 12-3, run to take a four-point lead, but the Nets reclaimed control and rallied to a, 61-48, advantage by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third, but the Thunder could not make a dent in the deficit, as the Nets stayed in control and pushed their advantage to 16 points, heading into the final frame. The Nets kept the pressure on through the fourth and confidently closed out their third consecutive win, while this marks the end of a four-game win streak for the Thunder.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Nets with 33 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Patty Mills followed up with 29 points on 10-of-16 shooting, in 31 minutes off the bench, while James Harden totaled 16 points, six rebounds, 13 assists and three steals. The Nets shot 50 percent from the field, including 18-of-43 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 30 minutes. Luguentz Dort followed up with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Ty Jerome was the only other player to score in double digits with 11 points, off the bench. The Thunder shot 40 percent from the field, including 14-of-45 from deep.
The Thunder (5-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Monday. The Nets (10-4) play host to the Warriors on Tuesday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Nets held a, 30-25, lead after one quarter. The Thunder came out strong in the second quarter and used a, 12-3, run to take a four-point lead, but the Nets reclaimed control and rallied to a, 61-48, advantage by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third, but the Thunder could not make a dent in the deficit, as the Nets stayed in control and pushed their advantage to 16 points, heading into the final frame. The Nets kept the pressure on through the fourth and confidently closed out their third consecutive win, while this marks the end of a four-game win streak for the Thunder.
Kevin Durant led the way for the Nets with 33 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Patty Mills followed up with 29 points on 10-of-16 shooting, in 31 minutes off the bench, while James Harden totaled 16 points, six rebounds, 13 assists and three steals. The Nets shot 50 percent from the field, including 18-of-43 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 30 minutes. Luguentz Dort followed up with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Ty Jerome was the only other player to score in double digits with 11 points, off the bench. The Thunder shot 40 percent from the field, including 14-of-45 from deep.
The Thunder (5-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Heat on Monday. The Nets (10-4) play host to the Warriors on Tuesday.
Hornets Outlast Warriors In Charlotte
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 106-102, at Spectrum Center on Sunday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start and the Hornets led, 30-27, after one quarter. The back-and-forth action continued in the second, where the Warriors turned the tables, and outscored the hosts, 30-27, to tie the game at 57, by halftime. The score stayed very tight through the third quarter, as neither team could break away, with the Warriors taking a one-point edge into the final frame. The competition kept up through the fourth and the score was tied at 102, with 44 seconds left, but the Hornets came up clutch on both ends of the floor over the final few possessions, to gain the advantage and close out their third straight win, while this marks the end of a seven-game win streak for the Warriors.
Three players scored at least 20 points to lead the Hornets, including Miles Bridges, who totaled 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. LaMelo Ball followed up with 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Terry Rozier added 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting. The Hornets shot 48 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 28 points, six rebounds and two assists, in 32 minutes. Stephen Curry followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and a block, while Jordan Poole chipped in 13 points and three assists. The Warriors shot 42 percent from the field, including 9-of-39 from deep.
The Warriors (11-2) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Tuesday. The Hornets (8-7) play host to the Wizards on Wednesday.
The contest got out to a tight start and the Hornets led, 30-27, after one quarter. The back-and-forth action continued in the second, where the Warriors turned the tables, and outscored the hosts, 30-27, to tie the game at 57, by halftime. The score stayed very tight through the third quarter, as neither team could break away, with the Warriors taking a one-point edge into the final frame. The competition kept up through the fourth and the score was tied at 102, with 44 seconds left, but the Hornets came up clutch on both ends of the floor over the final few possessions, to gain the advantage and close out their third straight win, while this marks the end of a seven-game win streak for the Warriors.
Three players scored at least 20 points to lead the Hornets, including Miles Bridges, who totaled 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. LaMelo Ball followed up with 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Terry Rozier added 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting. The Hornets shot 48 percent from the field, including 14-of-36 from deep.
Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 28 points, six rebounds and two assists, in 32 minutes. Stephen Curry followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and a block, while Jordan Poole chipped in 13 points and three assists. The Warriors shot 42 percent from the field, including 9-of-39 from deep.
The Warriors (11-2) will look to bounce back as they take on the Nets in Brooklyn on Tuesday. The Hornets (8-7) play host to the Wizards on Wednesday.
Nuggets Throttle Trail Blazers, 124-95
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 124-95, at Ball Arena on Sunday.
A 33-18 first quarter really set the tone for Denver in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half, riding a 33-16 fourth quarter to this lopsided scoreline. The Nuggets shot 52 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 44 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Denver also out-rebounded Portland, 49-36, while out-assisting them, 29-22.
The Trail Blazers (6-8) had to play this game without Damian Lillard (adductor), getting 21 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals from CJ McCollum to lead the team. Anfernee Simons started for Lillard and finished with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists. Norman Powell amassed 13 points and two rebounds while Nassir Little led the bench with 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (9-4) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 28 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Monte Morris amassed 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Bones Hyland led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Facundo Campazzo, JaMychal Green and PJ Dozier all reached double figures in scoring off of the bench as well.
Both teams play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, with Denver traveling to face the Dallas Mavericks and Portland facing the Toronto Raptors at home.
A 33-18 first quarter really set the tone for Denver in this game, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half, riding a 33-16 fourth quarter to this lopsided scoreline. The Nuggets shot 52 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding the Trail Blazers to 44 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Denver also out-rebounded Portland, 49-36, while out-assisting them, 29-22.
The Trail Blazers (6-8) had to play this game without Damian Lillard (adductor), getting 21 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals from CJ McCollum to lead the team. Anfernee Simons started for Lillard and finished with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists. Norman Powell amassed 13 points and two rebounds while Nassir Little led the bench with 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (9-4) were led by Nikola Jokic, collecting 28 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Monte Morris amassed 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. Bones Hyland led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Facundo Campazzo, JaMychal Green and PJ Dozier all reached double figures in scoring off of the bench as well.
Both teams play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, with Denver traveling to face the Dallas Mavericks and Portland facing the Toronto Raptors at home.
Bulls Defeat Clippers, 100-90
The Chicago Bulls defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 100-90, at Staples Center on Sunday.
Chicago got out to a 30-17 lead after the first quarter, holding the lead for all but one minute after that. Los Angeles recaptured the lead near the beginning of the fourth quarter but the Bulls finished the game on a 23-12 run across the final 10 minutes to prevail. The Bulls shot 44 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range while holding the Clippers to 36 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Chicago also forced 19 turnovers from Los Angeles, while out-assisting them, 19-16.
The Bulls (9-4) were led by DeMar DeRozan, tallying 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Zach LaVine collected 29 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Lonzo Ball had 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals while Alex Caruso compiled seven points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Clippers (8-5) were led by Paul George and his 27 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Eric Bledsoe generated 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Reggie Jackson registered 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Nicolas Batum accumulated five points, seven rebounds and two assists. Terance Mann led the bench with eight points, five rebounds and three assists.
Chicago will play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, staying in Staples to face the Los Angeles Lakers. As for the Clippers, they return to action on Monday when they play host to the San Antonio Spurs.
Chicago got out to a 30-17 lead after the first quarter, holding the lead for all but one minute after that. Los Angeles recaptured the lead near the beginning of the fourth quarter but the Bulls finished the game on a 23-12 run across the final 10 minutes to prevail. The Bulls shot 44 percent from the field and 38 percent from three-point range while holding the Clippers to 36 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. Chicago also forced 19 turnovers from Los Angeles, while out-assisting them, 19-16.
The Bulls (9-4) were led by DeMar DeRozan, tallying 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Zach LaVine collected 29 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Lonzo Ball had 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals while Alex Caruso compiled seven points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Clippers (8-5) were led by Paul George and his 27 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Eric Bledsoe generated 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Reggie Jackson registered 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals. Nicolas Batum accumulated five points, seven rebounds and two assists. Terance Mann led the bench with eight points, five rebounds and three assists.
Chicago will play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, staying in Staples to face the Los Angeles Lakers. As for the Clippers, they return to action on Monday when they play host to the San Antonio Spurs.