Warriors Mount Huge Comeback To Get Past Cavaliers
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 104-89, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Thursday evening.
The Warriors (13-2) and the Cavaliers (9-7) played an entertaining contest in which the Warriors showed their resiliency and their ability to turn things around when games get complicated. Cleveland jumped out to a 29-27 lead in the first quarter and didn't have problems to extend that run in both the second (25-24) and third (27-17) quarters, meaning they had a comfortable 13-point lead entering the final 12 minutes of the game. However, Golden State turned things around after tightening up their play on both ends of the court and mounted a massive comeback. The Warriors outscored the Cavs by 36-8 in the final 12 minutes and that allowed them to cruise towards a 15-point win that looked unlikely late in the second half. This run was aided by a stretch in which the Warriors went 17-0 to start the fourth quarter, not allowing Cleveland to score in the first 5:40 minutes of the final frame. The Warriors shot 49.4 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from deep, while the Cavaliers shot 42.5 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from three-point range.
Stephen Curry carried the Warriors in this win and finished with 40 points, six assists and four rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins had 12 points. Draymond Green only finished with four points, but he excelled as a playmaker and contributed 14 assists. Nemanja Bjelica finished with 14 points but also filled the stat sheet with three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Damion Lee chipped in with 11 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Darius Garland paced the Cavaliers with 25 points and five assists, while Dean Wade posted 17 points, nine rebounds and five dimes. Isaac Okoro and Ricky Rubio each had 10 points, with Rubio also adding five assists and Okoro contributing seven boards, three dimes and two steals. Ed Davis had 14 rebounds, and Kevin Love added 17 points off the bench.
The Warriors (13-2) and the Cavaliers (9-7) played an entertaining contest in which the Warriors showed their resiliency and their ability to turn things around when games get complicated. Cleveland jumped out to a 29-27 lead in the first quarter and didn't have problems to extend that run in both the second (25-24) and third (27-17) quarters, meaning they had a comfortable 13-point lead entering the final 12 minutes of the game. However, Golden State turned things around after tightening up their play on both ends of the court and mounted a massive comeback. The Warriors outscored the Cavs by 36-8 in the final 12 minutes and that allowed them to cruise towards a 15-point win that looked unlikely late in the second half. This run was aided by a stretch in which the Warriors went 17-0 to start the fourth quarter, not allowing Cleveland to score in the first 5:40 minutes of the final frame. The Warriors shot 49.4 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from deep, while the Cavaliers shot 42.5 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from three-point range.
Stephen Curry carried the Warriors in this win and finished with 40 points, six assists and four rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins had 12 points. Draymond Green only finished with four points, but he excelled as a playmaker and contributed 14 assists. Nemanja Bjelica finished with 14 points but also filled the stat sheet with three rebounds, three assists and three steals. Damion Lee chipped in with 11 points and six rebounds off the bench.
Darius Garland paced the Cavaliers with 25 points and five assists, while Dean Wade posted 17 points, nine rebounds and five dimes. Isaac Okoro and Ricky Rubio each had 10 points, with Rubio also adding five assists and Okoro contributing seven boards, three dimes and two steals. Ed Davis had 14 rebounds, and Kevin Love added 17 points off the bench.
Heat Handles Wizards, 112-97
The Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards, 112-97, at FTX Arena on Thursday night.
The Wizards (10-5) came into the contest knowing they'd play without starting point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, a productive offseason addition that was getting the night off for rest. Going into a road matchup against an elite Heat (11-5) defense short-handed naturally put the visitors at a disadvantage, and that manifested itself in a 47-40 halftime deficit. Miami then helped ensure the final outcome during a third quarter that was the best offensively for either club, adding another six points to its advantage to set up a stress-free final period.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 30 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kyle Kuzma generated a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and one steal. Corey Kispert furnished 13 points and four rebounds. Montrezl Harrell supplied 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 32 points, supplementing them with five assists, three rebounds and four steals. Bam Adebayo delivered 20 points, nine boards and two assists. Gabe Vincent totaled 18 points, three assists and two rebounds. P.J. Tucker managed 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The two teams reconvene for the back end of the home-and-home series in the nation's capital on Saturday night.
The Wizards (10-5) came into the contest knowing they'd play without starting point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, a productive offseason addition that was getting the night off for rest. Going into a road matchup against an elite Heat (11-5) defense short-handed naturally put the visitors at a disadvantage, and that manifested itself in a 47-40 halftime deficit. Miami then helped ensure the final outcome during a third quarter that was the best offensively for either club, adding another six points to its advantage to set up a stress-free final period.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 30 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Kyle Kuzma generated a 19-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included seven assists and one steal. Corey Kispert furnished 13 points and four rebounds. Montrezl Harrell supplied 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 32 points, supplementing them with five assists, three rebounds and four steals. Bam Adebayo delivered 20 points, nine boards and two assists. Gabe Vincent totaled 18 points, three assists and two rebounds. P.J. Tucker managed 15 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The two teams reconvene for the back end of the home-and-home series in the nation's capital on Saturday night.
Timberwolves Dominant In Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 115-90, at Target Center on Thursday evening.
The Timberwolves got out to a great start at home with a, 34-20, lead after one quarter. The Spurs came out much stronger in the second and cut it down to a four-point game with two minutes left in the half. However, the hosts closed the quarter on a 9-0 run, to take a 13-point lead into the break. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Spurs had no answer for the Timberwolves' attack, as they trailed by 15, heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves did not hold back in the fourth and outscored the visitors by another 10 points, to close out their second straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Spurs.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for the Timberwolves with 25 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and a block, in 38 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 22 points, three rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Malik Beasley chipped in 15 points, off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 48 percent from the field, including 21-of-49 from deep.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell was the high-point man for the Spurs, with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting off the bench. Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker were the only other players to score in double digits for the Spurs, with 12 points each. The Spurs shot 42 percent from the field, including 6-of-32 from long range.
The Spurs (4-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Monday. The Timberwolves (6-9) play host to the Grizzlies on Saturday.
The Timberwolves got out to a great start at home with a, 34-20, lead after one quarter. The Spurs came out much stronger in the second and cut it down to a four-point game with two minutes left in the half. However, the hosts closed the quarter on a 9-0 run, to take a 13-point lead into the break. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Spurs had no answer for the Timberwolves' attack, as they trailed by 15, heading into the final frame. The Timberwolves did not hold back in the fourth and outscored the visitors by another 10 points, to close out their second straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Spurs.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for the Timberwolves with 25 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and a block, in 38 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 22 points, three rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block, while Malik Beasley chipped in 15 points, off the bench. The Timberwolves shot 48 percent from the field, including 21-of-49 from deep.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell was the high-point man for the Spurs, with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting off the bench. Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker were the only other players to score in double digits for the Spurs, with 12 points each. The Spurs shot 42 percent from the field, including 6-of-32 from long range.
The Spurs (4-11) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Monday. The Timberwolves (6-9) play host to the Grizzlies on Saturday.
Grizzlies Defeat Clippers, 120-108
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 120-108, at FedEx Forum on Thursday.
While there were five ties and two lead changes, Memphis held the lead for 47 minutes of this 48-minute game. That can be attributed to a 30-24 first quarter, completing their blowout with a 64-55 second half. Memphis shot 54 percent from the field while holding Los Angeles below 47 percent shooting. In addition, the Grizzlies out-rebounded the Clippers, 47-34, while outscoring them in the paint, 74-36.
The Clippers (9-6) were led by Paul George, providing 23 points, five rebounds and six assists. Reggie Jackson registered 18 points, two rebounds and five assists, Ivica Zubac amassed 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Luke Kennard led the bench with 15 points. Isaiah Hartenstein also had 11 points, six rebounds and four assists off the bench as well.
The Grizzlies (8-7) were led by Ja Morant and his 28 points, five rebounds and five assists. Dillon Brooks totaled 18 points and two assists. Jaren Jackson Jr collected 18 points, six rebounds and four blocks, while Desmond Bane amassed 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Steven Adams scored just two points but still provided 10 rebounds and five assists.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Friday, facing the New Orleans Pelicans on the road. As for Memphis, they travel to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday for their next fixture.
While there were five ties and two lead changes, Memphis held the lead for 47 minutes of this 48-minute game. That can be attributed to a 30-24 first quarter, completing their blowout with a 64-55 second half. Memphis shot 54 percent from the field while holding Los Angeles below 47 percent shooting. In addition, the Grizzlies out-rebounded the Clippers, 47-34, while outscoring them in the paint, 74-36.
The Clippers (9-6) were led by Paul George, providing 23 points, five rebounds and six assists. Reggie Jackson registered 18 points, two rebounds and five assists, Ivica Zubac amassed 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Luke Kennard led the bench with 15 points. Isaiah Hartenstein also had 11 points, six rebounds and four assists off the bench as well.
The Grizzlies (8-7) were led by Ja Morant and his 28 points, five rebounds and five assists. Dillon Brooks totaled 18 points and two assists. Jaren Jackson Jr collected 18 points, six rebounds and four blocks, while Desmond Bane amassed 16 points, five rebounds and two assists. Steven Adams scored just two points but still provided 10 rebounds and five assists.
Los Angeles has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Friday, facing the New Orleans Pelicans on the road. As for Memphis, they travel to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday for their next fixture.
Sixers Put An End To Five-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 103-89, at Ball Arena on Thursday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Sixers held a one-point advantage after one quarter. The visitors came out strong in the second and rallied to a 17-point lead mid way through the quarter, but the Nuggets managed to cut it back to a six-point game, by halftime. The Sixers picked up the pace again in the third quarter and charged ahead to a game-high 18-point lead, heading into the final frame. The Nuggets had no answers down the stretch, as they were only able to trim four-points off the deficit through the final 12 minutes, before falling short for their second straight loss. On the other hand, the win marks the end of a five-game slide for the 76ers.
Tyrese Maxey led the way for the Sixers with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Seth Curry followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Tobias Harris totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The 76ers shot 51 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 30 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Will Barton followed up with 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, while Monte Morris was the only other player to score in double digits for the Nuggets with 11 points. The Nuggets shot 36 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from deep.
The Nuggets (9-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bulls on Friday. The 76ers (9-7) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Saturday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Sixers held a one-point advantage after one quarter. The visitors came out strong in the second and rallied to a 17-point lead mid way through the quarter, but the Nuggets managed to cut it back to a six-point game, by halftime. The Sixers picked up the pace again in the third quarter and charged ahead to a game-high 18-point lead, heading into the final frame. The Nuggets had no answers down the stretch, as they were only able to trim four-points off the deficit through the final 12 minutes, before falling short for their second straight loss. On the other hand, the win marks the end of a five-game slide for the 76ers.
Tyrese Maxey led the way for the Sixers with 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Seth Curry followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Tobias Harris totaled 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The 76ers shot 51 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 30 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Will Barton followed up with 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, while Monte Morris was the only other player to score in double digits for the Nuggets with 11 points. The Nuggets shot 36 percent from the field, including 12-of-36 from deep.
The Nuggets (9-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Bulls on Friday. The 76ers (9-7) take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Saturday.
Jazz Defeat Raptors, 119-103
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 119-103, at Vivint Arena on Thursday.
While there were six ties and 16 lead changes through the first 30 minutes, Utah rode a 31-17 third quarter to their lopsided victory. In addition, they kicked off the fourth quarter with a 13-4 run, grabbing a game-high 21-point lead at the time. The Jazz shot 55 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Raptors to 42 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. Utah also out-rebounded Toronto, 46-35, while out-assisting them, 34-23.
The Raptors (7-9) were led by Gary Trent Jr and his 31 points, two rebounds and three assists. Fred VanVleet compiled 24 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Pascal Siakam missed 12 of his 14 shots to tally four points, three rebounds and five assists. Scottie Barnes also accumulated 10 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Jazz (10-5) were led by Donovan Mitchell, tallying 20 points, three rebounds and four steals. Rudy Gay matched those 20 points off the bench, providing five rebounds and two assists on 7-of-8 shooting. Royce O'Neale registered 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gobert made all seven of his shots to finish with 14 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Joe Ingles also had 10 points, seven rebounds and eight assists off the bench as well.
Toronto has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Friday, facing the Sacramento Kings on the road. As for Utah, they travel to face the same Kings team on Saturday for their next outing.
While there were six ties and 16 lead changes through the first 30 minutes, Utah rode a 31-17 third quarter to their lopsided victory. In addition, they kicked off the fourth quarter with a 13-4 run, grabbing a game-high 21-point lead at the time. The Jazz shot 55 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding the Raptors to 42 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. Utah also out-rebounded Toronto, 46-35, while out-assisting them, 34-23.
The Raptors (7-9) were led by Gary Trent Jr and his 31 points, two rebounds and three assists. Fred VanVleet compiled 24 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. Pascal Siakam missed 12 of his 14 shots to tally four points, three rebounds and five assists. Scottie Barnes also accumulated 10 points, six rebounds and five assists.
The Jazz (10-5) were led by Donovan Mitchell, tallying 20 points, three rebounds and four steals. Rudy Gay matched those 20 points off the bench, providing five rebounds and two assists on 7-of-8 shooting. Royce O'Neale registered 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Rudy Gobert made all seven of his shots to finish with 14 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. Joe Ingles also had 10 points, seven rebounds and eight assists off the bench as well.
Toronto has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Friday, facing the Sacramento Kings on the road. As for Utah, they travel to face the same Kings team on Saturday for their next outing.