Pistons Secure Big Win Over Pacers
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Indiana Pacers, 97-89, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday night.
The Pistons (4-10) and the Pacers (6-10) played a tight contest that was decided in the final 12 minutes of the contest, though it could be classified as a back-and-forth contest given how things happened. Detroit jumped out to a 24-21 lead following the first quarter, and they bolstered that advantage following a 25-20 score in the second quarter. Indiana showed signs of a potential comeback with a 32-24 score in the third quarter, but the Pistons responded in the fourth quarter with a 24-16 score in the final 12 minutes of action. That was enough to allow Detroit to come away with the win in front of their fans.
Jerami Grant was the best player for the Pistons in this game with 19 points and three rebounds, while Saddiq Bey ended with 15 points and six rebounds. Cade Cunningham filled the stat sheet after adding 16 points, eight boards, six assists and two steals, while and Isaiah Stewart posted 11 rebounds while adding seven points. Cory Joseph had 18 points and five boards off the bench, while Frank Jackson added 11 points off the bench as well.
Malcolm Brogdon paced the Pacers with 20 points and five rebounds, while Caris LeVert ended with 18 points and three rebounds. Domantas Sabonis posted a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds while also adding an assist and a block. Torrey Craig had 10 points and five rebounds coming off the bench. Justin Holiday had seven points.
The Pistons (4-10) and the Pacers (6-10) played a tight contest that was decided in the final 12 minutes of the contest, though it could be classified as a back-and-forth contest given how things happened. Detroit jumped out to a 24-21 lead following the first quarter, and they bolstered that advantage following a 25-20 score in the second quarter. Indiana showed signs of a potential comeback with a 32-24 score in the third quarter, but the Pistons responded in the fourth quarter with a 24-16 score in the final 12 minutes of action. That was enough to allow Detroit to come away with the win in front of their fans.
Jerami Grant was the best player for the Pistons in this game with 19 points and three rebounds, while Saddiq Bey ended with 15 points and six rebounds. Cade Cunningham filled the stat sheet after adding 16 points, eight boards, six assists and two steals, while and Isaiah Stewart posted 11 rebounds while adding seven points. Cory Joseph had 18 points and five boards off the bench, while Frank Jackson added 11 points off the bench as well.
Malcolm Brogdon paced the Pacers with 20 points and five rebounds, while Caris LeVert ended with 18 points and three rebounds. Domantas Sabonis posted a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds while also adding an assist and a block. Torrey Craig had 10 points and five rebounds coming off the bench. Justin Holiday had seven points.
Hornets Upend Wizards, 97-87
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Washington Wizards, 97-87, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday night.
The Hornets (9-7) came into the contest looking to continue an upswing in what has been a rollercoaster season thus far, as they had an opportunity to notch their fourth straight win following a multi-game skid. However, it was red-hot Wizards (10-4), which got Bradley Beal back into the fold after a two-game absence, that jumped out to a 29-24 lead through the first 12 minutes. Washington added another point to its advantage before halftime and appeared to be on its way to another impressive win, but Charlotte bounced back to win the third quarter by a dominating 30-14 margin and change the tide of the game for good. The visitors would get as close as within six points with just under five minutes remaining before the hosts pulled away for good.
Beal led the Wizards with 24 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Daniel Gafford followed with 20 points, nine boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Montrezl Harrell supplied 15 points, nine boards, two assists and one block. Demi Avdija managed nine points, 11 boards and one block.
Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 19 points, complementing them with eight boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Miles Bridges generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one block. Kelly Oubre registered 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Mason Plumlee and LaMelo Ball had matching 11-point tallies, with Plumlee also pulling down 13 boards and Ball handing out 14 assists. Jalen McDaniels matched his teammates' scoring totals and also posted six rebounds and one assist.
The Wizards remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Thursday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
The Hornets (9-7) came into the contest looking to continue an upswing in what has been a rollercoaster season thus far, as they had an opportunity to notch their fourth straight win following a multi-game skid. However, it was red-hot Wizards (10-4), which got Bradley Beal back into the fold after a two-game absence, that jumped out to a 29-24 lead through the first 12 minutes. Washington added another point to its advantage before halftime and appeared to be on its way to another impressive win, but Charlotte bounced back to win the third quarter by a dominating 30-14 margin and change the tide of the game for good. The visitors would get as close as within six points with just under five minutes remaining before the hosts pulled away for good.
Beal led the Wizards with 24 points, adding seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Daniel Gafford followed with 20 points, nine boards, one assist, two steals and one block. Montrezl Harrell supplied 15 points, nine boards, two assists and one block. Demi Avdija managed nine points, 11 boards and one block.
Terry Rozier paced the Hornets with 19 points, complementing them with eight boards, four assists, one steal and one block. Miles Bridges generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included five assists and one block. Kelly Oubre registered 14 points, three rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal. Mason Plumlee and LaMelo Ball had matching 11-point tallies, with Plumlee also pulling down 13 boards and Ball handing out 14 assists. Jalen McDaniels matched his teammates' scoring totals and also posted six rebounds and one assist.
The Wizards remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Thursday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
Hawks Secure Win Over Celtics
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Boston Celtics, 110-99, at StateFarm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (7-8) and the Hawks (7-9) played a game that started tight, but Atlanta improved as the game went on and they ended winning the game rather comfortably despite how things started. The first quarter ended with a 30-29 lead for the Hawks, and Atlanta began to pull away following a 28-20 score in the second quarter. The Hawks were not done and kept the momentum going in the third quarter, though, as they outscored their rivals by a 33-28 score in the third quarter. The Celtics didn’t have enough in them to turn things around in the final 12 minutes, and while they never gave up, Atlanta cruised to a comfortable win at home.
John Collins was the top scorer for the Hawks with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Trae Young finished with 18 points and 11 assists. Clint Capela came close to a double-double as well and ended with nine points and a team-high 12 boards. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 12 points, and Kevin Huerter finished with 19 points. Cam Reddish had 19 points off the bench. The Hawks shot 50.6 percent from the field.
Jayson Tatum was the top scorer for the Celtics in this loss with 34 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Grant Williams had 18 points. Al Horford ended with 13 points and seven boards, while Dennis Schroder contributed 15 points, three boards and three assists. Josh Richardson had 11 points off the bench. Boston shot 43.5 percent from the field.
The Celtics (7-8) and the Hawks (7-9) played a game that started tight, but Atlanta improved as the game went on and they ended winning the game rather comfortably despite how things started. The first quarter ended with a 30-29 lead for the Hawks, and Atlanta began to pull away following a 28-20 score in the second quarter. The Hawks were not done and kept the momentum going in the third quarter, though, as they outscored their rivals by a 33-28 score in the third quarter. The Celtics didn’t have enough in them to turn things around in the final 12 minutes, and while they never gave up, Atlanta cruised to a comfortable win at home.
John Collins was the top scorer for the Hawks with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Trae Young finished with 18 points and 11 assists. Clint Capela came close to a double-double as well and ended with nine points and a team-high 12 boards. Bogdan Bogdanovic had 12 points, and Kevin Huerter finished with 19 points. Cam Reddish had 19 points off the bench. The Hawks shot 50.6 percent from the field.
Jayson Tatum was the top scorer for the Celtics in this loss with 34 points, nine rebounds and five assists, while Grant Williams had 18 points. Al Horford ended with 13 points and seven boards, while Dennis Schroder contributed 15 points, three boards and three assists. Josh Richardson had 11 points off the bench. Boston shot 43.5 percent from the field.
Heat Handles Pelicans, 113-98
The Miami Heat defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 113-98, at FTX Arena on Wednesday night.
The Pelicans (2-14) surprised the Heat (10-5) by coming out of the gates hot, with New Orleans taking a surprising 34-21 lead through one. However, Miami's defense came alive in the second quarter, which allowed them to chip away eight points from their deficit before halftime. The outcome was sealed in the third period, however, when the hosts held the visitors to 18 points for the second straight quarter and forged an 11-point lead. The Heat shot 48.3 percent overall and forced 16 turnovers.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Pelicans with 24 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Brandon Ingram registered 19 points, five assists and four rebounds. Josh Hart managed 18 points, seven boards, four assists and two steals. Jonas Valanciunas supplied 13 points, eight rebounds and one block. Devonte' Graham contributed 11 points, four assists and one rebound.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with a 31-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one block. Tyler Herro provided 19 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Max Strus netted 15 points, three rebounds and one assist. P.J. Tucker and Gabe Vincent generated matching 13-point tallies, with Tucker also posting four rebounds and two assists. Caleb Martin pitched in 12 points, six boards, three assists and two steals.
The Pelicans head back home to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night, while the Heat hosts the Washington Wizards on Thursday night.
The Pelicans (2-14) surprised the Heat (10-5) by coming out of the gates hot, with New Orleans taking a surprising 34-21 lead through one. However, Miami's defense came alive in the second quarter, which allowed them to chip away eight points from their deficit before halftime. The outcome was sealed in the third period, however, when the hosts held the visitors to 18 points for the second straight quarter and forged an 11-point lead. The Heat shot 48.3 percent overall and forced 16 turnovers.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Pelicans with 24 points, complementing them with four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Brandon Ingram registered 19 points, five assists and four rebounds. Josh Hart managed 18 points, seven boards, four assists and two steals. Jonas Valanciunas supplied 13 points, eight rebounds and one block. Devonte' Graham contributed 11 points, four assists and one rebound.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with a 31-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one block. Tyler Herro provided 19 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Max Strus netted 15 points, three rebounds and one assist. P.J. Tucker and Gabe Vincent generated matching 13-point tallies, with Tucker also posting four rebounds and two assists. Caleb Martin pitched in 12 points, six boards, three assists and two steals.
The Pelicans head back home to host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night, while the Heat hosts the Washington Wizards on Thursday night.
Bucks Defeat Lakers, 109-102
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 109-102, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday.
It took six ties and 15 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with Milwaukee riding a 34-21 second quarter to their victory. Los Angeles recaptured the lead a couple of times in the second half but never held it for longer than a minute. The Bucks shot 46 percent from the field and 32 percent from three-point range while holding the Lakers to 42 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. Milwaukee also doubled up LA in free-throw attempts, 24-12. They also outscored them in second-chance points, 13-7, and in the paint, 50-44.
The Lakers (8-8) were led by Talen Horton-Tucker, tallying 25 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook registered 19 points, four rebounds and 15 assists. Anthony Davis accrued 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Carmelo Anthony compiled 10 points and six boards.
The Bucks (7-8) got a season-high 47 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo, providing nine rebounds and three assists on 18-of-23 from the field. Bobby Portis amassed 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. Khris Middleton collected 16 points, five rebounds and six assists. Jrue Holiday had eight points, six rebounds, eight assists and four steals while Pat Connaughton led the bench with 16 points.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It took six ties and 15 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with Milwaukee riding a 34-21 second quarter to their victory. Los Angeles recaptured the lead a couple of times in the second half but never held it for longer than a minute. The Bucks shot 46 percent from the field and 32 percent from three-point range while holding the Lakers to 42 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. Milwaukee also doubled up LA in free-throw attempts, 24-12. They also outscored them in second-chance points, 13-7, and in the paint, 50-44.
The Lakers (8-8) were led by Talen Horton-Tucker, tallying 25 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook registered 19 points, four rebounds and 15 assists. Anthony Davis accrued 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Carmelo Anthony compiled 10 points and six boards.
The Bucks (7-8) got a season-high 47 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo, providing nine rebounds and three assists on 18-of-23 from the field. Bobby Portis amassed 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. Khris Middleton collected 16 points, five rebounds and six assists. Jrue Holiday had eight points, six rebounds, eight assists and four steals while Pat Connaughton led the bench with 16 points.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Los Angeles traveling to face the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Nets Cruise To Win Over Cavaliers
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 100-91, at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
The Nets (11-5) were looking to bounce back following their loss against the Golden State Warriors and did exactly that, as they didn’t have problems getting past a resilient, but depleted, Cavaliers (9-7) team. Brooklyn quickly jumped out to a 31-25 lead following the first quarter and didn’t have problems to boost that advantage following an impressive 31-16 score in the second quarter. Holding a huge lead at halftime, Brooklyn cruised their way to a win in the second half despite Cleveland’s attempts of turning things around. The Cavs showed signs of a comeback following a 32-19 score in the third quarter, but Brooklyn didn’t allow them to get them close enough to threaten the win. Brooklyn won the final quarter by a 28-26 score and that was enough to come away with the victory.
James Harden led the Nets on offense with 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while Kevin Durant chipped in with 23 points and four rebounds while also adding three assists. Patty Mills got the start and contributed 21 points, while LaMarcus Aldridge dazzled off the bench and finished with 24 points and seven boards. Brooklyn shot 45.8 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from deep.
Ricky Rubio had 25 points to lead the Cavaliers, while Darius Garland ended with 24 points and six assists. Dean Wade had 11 points and five rebounds, while Ed Davis contributed 11 boards to go along with six points. Kevin Love and Cedi Osman each had 11 points while coming off the bench. Cleveland shot 39.3 percent from the field and 25 percent from deep.
The Nets (11-5) were looking to bounce back following their loss against the Golden State Warriors and did exactly that, as they didn’t have problems getting past a resilient, but depleted, Cavaliers (9-7) team. Brooklyn quickly jumped out to a 31-25 lead following the first quarter and didn’t have problems to boost that advantage following an impressive 31-16 score in the second quarter. Holding a huge lead at halftime, Brooklyn cruised their way to a win in the second half despite Cleveland’s attempts of turning things around. The Cavs showed signs of a comeback following a 32-19 score in the third quarter, but Brooklyn didn’t allow them to get them close enough to threaten the win. Brooklyn won the final quarter by a 28-26 score and that was enough to come away with the victory.
James Harden led the Nets on offense with 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, while Kevin Durant chipped in with 23 points and four rebounds while also adding three assists. Patty Mills got the start and contributed 21 points, while LaMarcus Aldridge dazzled off the bench and finished with 24 points and seven boards. Brooklyn shot 45.8 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from deep.
Ricky Rubio had 25 points to lead the Cavaliers, while Darius Garland ended with 24 points and six assists. Dean Wade had 11 points and five rebounds, while Ed Davis contributed 11 boards to go along with six points. Kevin Love and Cedi Osman each had 11 points while coming off the bench. Cleveland shot 39.3 percent from the field and 25 percent from deep.
Magic Bests Knicks, 104-98
The Orlando Magic defeated the New York Knicks, 104-98, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
The Magic (4-11) erased a two-point first-quarter deficit to take a one-point lead into halftime, and Orlando managed to add another four points to its advantage ahead of the final period with a strong third quarter during which they limited the Knicks (8-7) to 18 points. New York ultimately pulled ahead by as much as six points, but the visitors' 11-4 run in the final 2:56 of the contest led to the victory.
Terrence Ross led the Magic with 19 points, complementing them with two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Franz Wagner followed with 16 points, nine boards and one assist. Cole Anthony generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Jalen Suggs furnished 13 points, four assists, one rebound, three steals and one block. Mo Bamba generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Wendell Carter, Jr. supplied 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal.
RJ Barrett paced the Knicks with 17 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds and five assists. Alec Burks followed with 15 points, supplementing them with five boards, four assists and one steal. Obi Toppin turned in 14 points, five boards, two assists and one block. Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle managed matching 13-point contributions while adding 11 and five rebounds, respectively.
The Magic remains on the road and in the Empire State and faces the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, while the Knicks remain home and host the Houston Rockets on Saturday afternoon.
The Magic (4-11) erased a two-point first-quarter deficit to take a one-point lead into halftime, and Orlando managed to add another four points to its advantage ahead of the final period with a strong third quarter during which they limited the Knicks (8-7) to 18 points. New York ultimately pulled ahead by as much as six points, but the visitors' 11-4 run in the final 2:56 of the contest led to the victory.
Terrence Ross led the Magic with 19 points, complementing them with two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Franz Wagner followed with 16 points, nine boards and one assist. Cole Anthony generated a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Jalen Suggs furnished 13 points, four assists, one rebound, three steals and one block. Mo Bamba generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Wendell Carter, Jr. supplied 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal.
RJ Barrett paced the Knicks with 17 points, supplementing them with nine rebounds and five assists. Alec Burks followed with 15 points, supplementing them with five boards, four assists and one steal. Obi Toppin turned in 14 points, five boards, two assists and one block. Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle managed matching 13-point contributions while adding 11 and five rebounds, respectively.
The Magic remains on the road and in the Empire State and faces the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, while the Knicks remain home and host the Houston Rockets on Saturday afternoon.
Timberwolves Topple Kings, 107-97
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Sacramento Kings, 107-97, at Target Center on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves (5-9) opened up the contest playing some particularly impressive defense, limiting the Kings (6-9) to 18 points. Sacramento bounced back in the second, however, totaling 30 points and building a four-point lead going into halftime. Minnesota would come out of intermission a refocused team, however, ultimately outscoring the visitors by a 63-49 margin in the second half. The Kings won the battle of the boards, 47-35, but they shot just 36.6 percent.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 28 points, complementing them five assists and one rebound. Buddy Hield delivered 16 points, three boards and two assists. Harrison Barnes supplied 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Richaun Holmes managed 12 points, seven boards and one block.
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 26 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, one assist and one block. Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 22 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. D'Angelo Russell furnished 17 points, seven assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Patrick Beverley compiled 14 points, seven assists, six rebounds, three blocks and one steal.
The Kings head back home to host the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, while the Timberwolves remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.
The Timberwolves (5-9) opened up the contest playing some particularly impressive defense, limiting the Kings (6-9) to 18 points. Sacramento bounced back in the second, however, totaling 30 points and building a four-point lead going into halftime. Minnesota would come out of intermission a refocused team, however, ultimately outscoring the visitors by a 63-49 margin in the second half. The Kings won the battle of the boards, 47-35, but they shot just 36.6 percent.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 28 points, complementing them five assists and one rebound. Buddy Hield delivered 16 points, three boards and two assists. Harrison Barnes supplied 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Richaun Holmes managed 12 points, seven boards and one block.
Anthony Edwards paced the Timberwolves with 26 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, one assist and one block. Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 22 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks. D'Angelo Russell furnished 17 points, seven assists, four rebounds, two steals and one block. Patrick Beverley compiled 14 points, seven assists, six rebounds, three blocks and one steal.
The Kings head back home to host the Toronto Raptors on Friday night, while the Timberwolves remain home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.
Thunder Defeat Rockets, 101-89
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 101-89, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday.
Oklahoma City won each of the first three quarters by at least three points apiece, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They led by 17 points at times in this win, carrying a 12-point lead into the half and a 16-point lead into the final frame. The Thunder shot 45 percent from the field while holding the Rockets below 36 percent shooting. In addition, Oklahoma City out-rebounded Houston, 56-46, while outscoring them in the paint, 52-40. They also outscored them in fastbreak points, 13-4.
The Rockets (1-14) were led by Jalen Green and his 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jae'Sean Tate totaled 16 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Eric Gordon compiled 15 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Christian Wood finished with 10 points and 14 boards. Daniel Theis led the bench with 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Thunder (6-8) were led by Luguentz Dort, tallying 34 points, eight rebounds and two assists on 14-of-22 from the field. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander amassed 15 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and four steals. Josh Giddey generated 14 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, while Jeremiah Robinson-Earl accrued eight points, nine rebounds and two steals.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. As for Houston, they return to action on Saturday when they travel to face the New York Knicks,
Oklahoma City won each of the first three quarters by at least three points apiece, winning this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They led by 17 points at times in this win, carrying a 12-point lead into the half and a 16-point lead into the final frame. The Thunder shot 45 percent from the field while holding the Rockets below 36 percent shooting. In addition, Oklahoma City out-rebounded Houston, 56-46, while outscoring them in the paint, 52-40. They also outscored them in fastbreak points, 13-4.
The Rockets (1-14) were led by Jalen Green and his 21 points, three rebounds and two assists. Jae'Sean Tate totaled 16 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Eric Gordon compiled 15 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Christian Wood finished with 10 points and 14 boards. Daniel Theis led the bench with 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Thunder (6-8) were led by Luguentz Dort, tallying 34 points, eight rebounds and two assists on 14-of-22 from the field. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander amassed 15 points, seven rebounds, nine assists and four steals. Josh Giddey generated 14 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, while Jeremiah Robinson-Earl accrued eight points, nine rebounds and two steals.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday. As for Houston, they return to action on Saturday when they travel to face the New York Knicks,
Suns Defeat Mavericks, 105-98
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 105-98, at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
It took seven ties and 19 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team leading by more than eight points. With that said, the Suns finished on a 12-4 run across the final 3:07 to complete their victory, capping off a 37-25 fourth quarter. The Suns shot 44 percent from the field while holding the Mavericks to 41 percent shooting. Phoenix also recorded six steals and seven blocks while Dallas had just five steals and two blocks. That allowed them to win the turnover battle, 10-7, In addition, they outscored the Mavs in the paint, 40-28, and in second-chance points, 11-6.
The Mavericks (9-5) were led by Tim Hardaway Jr and his 22 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis collected 21 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and two blocks. Jalen Brunson tallied 18 points, nine rebounds and nine assists while Dwight Powell led the team with 13 rebounds. Frank Ntilikina led the bench with 13 points.
The Suns (11-3) were led by Devin Booker, amassing 24 points and nine rebounds. Deandre Ayton accrued 19 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Chris Paul missed 10 of his 12 shots but still provided seven points, four rebounds and 14 assists. Landry Shamet led the bench with 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
These two teams will run it back on Friday for their next outing.
It took seven ties and 19 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team leading by more than eight points. With that said, the Suns finished on a 12-4 run across the final 3:07 to complete their victory, capping off a 37-25 fourth quarter. The Suns shot 44 percent from the field while holding the Mavericks to 41 percent shooting. Phoenix also recorded six steals and seven blocks while Dallas had just five steals and two blocks. That allowed them to win the turnover battle, 10-7, In addition, they outscored the Mavs in the paint, 40-28, and in second-chance points, 11-6.
The Mavericks (9-5) were led by Tim Hardaway Jr and his 22 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis collected 21 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and two blocks. Jalen Brunson tallied 18 points, nine rebounds and nine assists while Dwight Powell led the team with 13 rebounds. Frank Ntilikina led the bench with 13 points.
The Suns (11-3) were led by Devin Booker, amassing 24 points and nine rebounds. Deandre Ayton accrued 19 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. Chris Paul missed 10 of his 12 shots but still provided seven points, four rebounds and 14 assists. Landry Shamet led the bench with 11 points, three rebounds and three assists.
These two teams will run it back on Friday for their next outing.
Trail Blazers Defeat Bulls, 112-107
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 112-107, at Moda Center on Wednesday.
Chicago got out to a 63-48 lead at the half and held the lead for all but a handful of minutes in this game but Portland fought back to make it close in the end. In fact, the Trail Blazers rode a 33-22 third quarter to make it competitive and then capped off the comeback with a 31-22 fourth quarter. Portland shot 27-of-28 from the free-throw line while Chicago hit just 16-of-20. The Trail Blazers also out-assisted the Bulls, 26-23, while out-rebounding them, 44-36. Portland outscored Chicago in the paint, 50-42, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 16-10.
The Bulls (10-5) were led by Zach LaVine and his 30 points, six rebounds and two assists. DeMar DeRozan tallied 22 points, four rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Lonzo Ball accrued 17 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Alex Caruso accrued 12 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers (8-8) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 22 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Jusuf Nurkic generated 18 points and 12 rebounds, Norman Powell scored 18 points as well, while Robert Covington compiled 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Larry Nance Jr led the bench with 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals.
On deck for Chicago is a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Friday. As for Portland, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Chicago got out to a 63-48 lead at the half and held the lead for all but a handful of minutes in this game but Portland fought back to make it close in the end. In fact, the Trail Blazers rode a 33-22 third quarter to make it competitive and then capped off the comeback with a 31-22 fourth quarter. Portland shot 27-of-28 from the free-throw line while Chicago hit just 16-of-20. The Trail Blazers also out-assisted the Bulls, 26-23, while out-rebounding them, 44-36. Portland outscored Chicago in the paint, 50-42, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 16-10.
The Bulls (10-5) were led by Zach LaVine and his 30 points, six rebounds and two assists. DeMar DeRozan tallied 22 points, four rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Lonzo Ball accrued 17 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Alex Caruso accrued 12 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers (8-8) were led by Damian Lillard, collecting 22 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Jusuf Nurkic generated 18 points and 12 rebounds, Norman Powell scored 18 points as well, while Robert Covington compiled 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Larry Nance Jr led the bench with 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals.
On deck for Chicago is a road matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Friday. As for Portland, they return to action on Saturday in a home matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.