Warriors End Road Trip With Win Over Pistons
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Detroit Pistons, 105-102, at Little Caesars Arena on Friday night.
The Warriors (14-2) ended their road trip on a high note and didn't have problems getting past the Pistons (4-11), though the game could've really become complicated due to Detroit's reaction in the fourth quarter. The Warriors cruised to a 26-23 lead in the first quarter and extended that advantage to five points at the halftime break (30-28). The Warriors looked as if they were running out with the game following an impressive third quarter where they outscored Detroit by a 30-19 margin, but the Pistons were not done yet and didn't look ready to give up. They outscored Golden State by 13 points in the final 12 minutes of action (32-19) and came just one three-pointer away from tying the game and sending it to overtime, but Frank Jackson missed his long-range attempt and the Warriors ended celebrating a win that proved to be harder than expected.
The Warriors didn’t have Stephen Curry (hip) for this game but Jordan Poole stepped his game up and led the way with 32 points and seven rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins chipped in with 27 points, five boards and two steals. Gary Payton II contributed 12 points and two steals, and Kevon Looney delivered 12 rebounds despite scoring just two points. Nemanja Bjelica impressed off the bench again and posted 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
Frank Jackson carried the Pistons off the bench with 27 points and three steals, while both Jerami Grant and Saddiq Bey finished with 19 points and four rebounds each -- Grant also added two assists, two steals and three blocks. Hamidou Diallo ended with 10 points off the bench. No other Detroit player scored in double digits in this one.
The Warriors (14-2) ended their road trip on a high note and didn't have problems getting past the Pistons (4-11), though the game could've really become complicated due to Detroit's reaction in the fourth quarter. The Warriors cruised to a 26-23 lead in the first quarter and extended that advantage to five points at the halftime break (30-28). The Warriors looked as if they were running out with the game following an impressive third quarter where they outscored Detroit by a 30-19 margin, but the Pistons were not done yet and didn't look ready to give up. They outscored Golden State by 13 points in the final 12 minutes of action (32-19) and came just one three-pointer away from tying the game and sending it to overtime, but Frank Jackson missed his long-range attempt and the Warriors ended celebrating a win that proved to be harder than expected.
The Warriors didn’t have Stephen Curry (hip) for this game but Jordan Poole stepped his game up and led the way with 32 points and seven rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins chipped in with 27 points, five boards and two steals. Gary Payton II contributed 12 points and two steals, and Kevon Looney delivered 12 rebounds despite scoring just two points. Nemanja Bjelica impressed off the bench again and posted 14 points, eight rebounds and two assists.
Frank Jackson carried the Pistons off the bench with 27 points and three steals, while both Jerami Grant and Saddiq Bey finished with 19 points and four rebounds each -- Grant also added two assists, two steals and three blocks. Hamidou Diallo ended with 10 points off the bench. No other Detroit player scored in double digits in this one.
Hornets Edge Pacers, 121-118
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Indiana Pacers, 121-118, at Spectrum Center on Friday night.
The Hornets (10-7) opened Friday night's contest with the same hot hand that had been fueling their four-game win streak, as they jumped out to a 63-48 halftime lead with an offensively efficient first half. While the Pacers (6-11) played better in the third quarter, they were only able to lop two points from their deficit, which still left Charlotte with a seemingly commanding 13-point edge. However, Indiana made matters interesting with a 19-5 run over the final 4:15 that saw them get to their final three-point margin of defeat with 19.5 seconds still remaining before the hosts hung on.
Jeremy Lamb led the Pacers with 23 points, complementing them with five assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Malcolm Brogdon poured in 16 points. Torrey Craig delivered 14 points, seven boards and one assist. Brad Wanamaker furnished 12 points, three rebounds and one steal. Goga Bitadze turned in 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with 32 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Gordon Hayward supplied 25 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Kelly Oubre registered 16 points, three boards and one steal. Miles Bridges contributed 14 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Cody Martin managed 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Terry Rozier provided 10 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Pacers return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, while the Hornets pay a visit to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night as well.
The Hornets (10-7) opened Friday night's contest with the same hot hand that had been fueling their four-game win streak, as they jumped out to a 63-48 halftime lead with an offensively efficient first half. While the Pacers (6-11) played better in the third quarter, they were only able to lop two points from their deficit, which still left Charlotte with a seemingly commanding 13-point edge. However, Indiana made matters interesting with a 19-5 run over the final 4:15 that saw them get to their final three-point margin of defeat with 19.5 seconds still remaining before the hosts hung on.
Jeremy Lamb led the Pacers with 23 points, complementing them with five assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Malcolm Brogdon poured in 16 points. Torrey Craig delivered 14 points, seven boards and one assist. Brad Wanamaker furnished 12 points, three rebounds and one steal. Goga Bitadze turned in 11 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with 32 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, eight assists and one steal. Gordon Hayward supplied 25 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks. Kelly Oubre registered 16 points, three boards and one steal. Miles Bridges contributed 14 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Cody Martin managed 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Terry Rozier provided 10 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Pacers return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night, while the Hornets pay a visit to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night as well.
Celtics Secure Win Over Lakers
The Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 130-108, at TD Garden on Friday night.
The Celtics (8-8) moved back to playing .500 basketball with an excellent performance against a struggling Lakers (8-9) team, though Boston had to overcome an early start before eventually closing things down and winning the game with ease. The Lakers enjoyed a strong start and jumped out to a 38-30 lead in the first quarter, but Boston responded with a 30-23 score in the second 12 minutes that made it a one-point contest by halftime. The Celtics carried the momentum of that second quarter into the second half and pulled away following a 33-21 score in the third quarter, allowing them to build an 11-point lead with just 12 minutes left on the clock. The Lakers didn't have answers for a potential comeback and Boston also won the fourth quarter by 11 points (37-26), running away with the game and cruising toward a comfortable victory.
Jayson Tatum had an excellent performance and led the Celtics with 37 points and 11 rebounds while also adding three steals, and both Marcus Smart (22 points) and Dennis Schroder (21 points) surpassed the 20-point plateau as well. Both Smart and Schroder had six assists as well, while Smart also added eight boards and Schroder, six. Al Horford ended with 18 points, and Josh Richardson contributed 15 points off the bench.
Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 31 points and six rebounds, while LeBron James had a solid outing in his return with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook had 12 points and six assists while also adding four rebounds. Carmelo Anthony chipped in with 13 points. No other Laker scored in double digits in this game.
The Celtics (8-8) moved back to playing .500 basketball with an excellent performance against a struggling Lakers (8-9) team, though Boston had to overcome an early start before eventually closing things down and winning the game with ease. The Lakers enjoyed a strong start and jumped out to a 38-30 lead in the first quarter, but Boston responded with a 30-23 score in the second 12 minutes that made it a one-point contest by halftime. The Celtics carried the momentum of that second quarter into the second half and pulled away following a 33-21 score in the third quarter, allowing them to build an 11-point lead with just 12 minutes left on the clock. The Lakers didn't have answers for a potential comeback and Boston also won the fourth quarter by 11 points (37-26), running away with the game and cruising toward a comfortable victory.
Jayson Tatum had an excellent performance and led the Celtics with 37 points and 11 rebounds while also adding three steals, and both Marcus Smart (22 points) and Dennis Schroder (21 points) surpassed the 20-point plateau as well. Both Smart and Schroder had six assists as well, while Smart also added eight boards and Schroder, six. Al Horford ended with 18 points, and Josh Richardson contributed 15 points off the bench.
Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers with 31 points and six rebounds, while LeBron James had a solid outing in his return with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Russell Westbrook had 12 points and six assists while also adding four rebounds. Carmelo Anthony chipped in with 13 points. No other Laker scored in double digits in this game.
Nets Edge Magic, 115-113
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Orlando Magic, 115-113, at Barclays Center on Friday night.
The Magic (4-12) came out of the gates hot to take a 41-25 first-quarter lead. That seemed to stir the Nets (12-5), which outscored them, 65-42, over the middle quarters. However, Orlando clawed back during a see-saw fourth quarter and got within two points with 3.2 seconds left before Brooklyn hung on.
Jalen Suggs' 21 points, which he partly complemented with four rebounds, led the Magic. Chuma Okeke and Fritz Wagner generating matching 17-point tallies. Cole Anthony delivered 16 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Terrence Ross' line included 15 points, four assists and three rebounds. Mo Bamba generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three blocks.
James Harden's 36 points, which he partly supplemented with 10 rebounds and eight assists, led the Nets. Patty Mills' night included 22 points and three assists. James Johnson generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists. LaMarcus Aldridge managed 15 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
The Magic remain on the road and visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, while the Nets pay a visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.
The Magic (4-12) came out of the gates hot to take a 41-25 first-quarter lead. That seemed to stir the Nets (12-5), which outscored them, 65-42, over the middle quarters. However, Orlando clawed back during a see-saw fourth quarter and got within two points with 3.2 seconds left before Brooklyn hung on.
Jalen Suggs' 21 points, which he partly complemented with four rebounds, led the Magic. Chuma Okeke and Fritz Wagner generating matching 17-point tallies. Cole Anthony delivered 16 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Terrence Ross' line included 15 points, four assists and three rebounds. Mo Bamba generated a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double that included three blocks.
James Harden's 36 points, which he partly supplemented with 10 rebounds and eight assists, led the Nets. Patty Mills' night included 22 points and three assists. James Johnson generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists. LaMarcus Aldridge managed 15 points, five rebounds and two blocks.
The Magic remain on the road and visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, while the Nets pay a visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.
Pelicans Come Up Big In Second Half To Secure Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 94-81, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.
The Clippers jumped out to a great start with a, 29-16, lead after one quarter. The Pelicans picked up their play in the second but could only cut into the deficit by one point and trailed by 12, at halftime. However, the hosts came out on fire in the third and outscored the Clippers, 29-14, in the quarter, to rally to a three-point lead heading into the final frame. The Clippers fell flat again in the fourth, while the Pelicans kept up the fight and rallied to their third win of the season.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Pelicans with 26 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Josh Hart followed up with 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Brandon Ingram totaled 17 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. The Pelicans shot 44 percent from the field, including 13-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Paul George led the Clippers with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Nicolas Batum followed up with 12 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Isaiah Hartenstein and Terance Mann chipped in 11 points each. The Clippers shot 38 percent from the field, including 9-of-37 from long range.
The Clippers (9-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavs on Sunday. The Pelicans (3-14) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Saturday.
The Clippers jumped out to a great start with a, 29-16, lead after one quarter. The Pelicans picked up their play in the second but could only cut into the deficit by one point and trailed by 12, at halftime. However, the hosts came out on fire in the third and outscored the Clippers, 29-14, in the quarter, to rally to a three-point lead heading into the final frame. The Clippers fell flat again in the fourth, while the Pelicans kept up the fight and rallied to their third win of the season.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Pelicans with 26 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Josh Hart followed up with 19 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Brandon Ingram totaled 17 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. The Pelicans shot 44 percent from the field, including 13-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Paul George led the Clippers with 19 points, seven rebounds, six assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Nicolas Batum followed up with 12 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Isaiah Hartenstein and Terance Mann chipped in 11 points each. The Clippers shot 38 percent from the field, including 9-of-37 from long range.
The Clippers (9-7) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Mavs on Sunday. The Pelicans (3-14) take on the Pacers in Indiana on Saturday.
Bucks Hold Off Thunder In Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 96-89, at Fiserv Forum on Friday evening.
The Bucks jumped out to a strong start with a, 34-24, lead after one quarter, and they held the upper hand through the second, making it an 11-point lead by halftime. They pushed their lead to a game-high 20 points, mid way through the third quarter, but the Thunder managed to rally back to cut it to a 12-point game heading into the fourth. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Bucks held on for their second straight win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 21 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists, four blocks and two steals, in 36 minutes. Bobby Portis followed up with 17 points, 13 rebounds and two steals, while Khris Middleton added 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Bucks shot 37 percent from the field, including 12-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 14 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, while Mike Muscala chipped in 14 points on 4-of-9 shooting, off the bench. The Thunder shot 35 percent from the field, including 12-of-48 from deep.
The Thunder (6-9) will look to bounce back as they take on the Celtics in Boston on Saturday. The Bucks (8-8) play host to the Magic on Saturday.
The Bucks jumped out to a strong start with a, 34-24, lead after one quarter, and they held the upper hand through the second, making it an 11-point lead by halftime. They pushed their lead to a game-high 20 points, mid way through the third quarter, but the Thunder managed to rally back to cut it to a 12-point game heading into the fourth. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Bucks held on for their second straight win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 21 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists, four blocks and two steals, in 36 minutes. Bobby Portis followed up with 17 points, 13 rebounds and two steals, while Khris Middleton added 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Bucks shot 37 percent from the field, including 12-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 14 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, while Mike Muscala chipped in 14 points on 4-of-9 shooting, off the bench. The Thunder shot 35 percent from the field, including 12-of-48 from deep.
The Thunder (6-9) will look to bounce back as they take on the Celtics in Boston on Saturday. The Bucks (8-8) play host to the Magic on Saturday.
Bulls Defeat Nuggets, 114-108
The Chicago Bulls defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 114-108, at Ball Arena on Friday.
While there were only three ties and three lead changes in this game, neither team led by more than 12 points. The Bulls rode a 35-26 third quarter to their victory, holding the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter after that. Free-throw shooting was key, with Chicago connecting on 24-of-24 and Denver hitting 16-of-20. The Bulls also out-rebounded the Nuggets, 50-38, while outscoring them in the paint, 53-46. They also outscored Denver in second-chance points, 18-8.
The Bulls (11-5) were led by Zach LaVine and his 36 points, five rebounds and four assists. DeMar DeRozan tallied 26 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals on 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. Lonzo Ball accrued seven points, three rebounds and six assists, while Derrick Jones Jr led the bench with 16 points and eight boards.
The Nuggets (9-7) had to play this game without Nikola Jokic (wrist), getting 28 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks from Aaron Gordon to lead the team. He also shot 10-of-12 from the field. Will Barton collected 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. No other starter reached double figures in scoring but Facundo Campazzo led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals.
This was the Bulls first win in Denver since 2006. Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Chicago playing host to the New York Knicks and Denver traveling to face the Phoenix Suns.
While there were only three ties and three lead changes in this game, neither team led by more than 12 points. The Bulls rode a 35-26 third quarter to their victory, holding the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter after that. Free-throw shooting was key, with Chicago connecting on 24-of-24 and Denver hitting 16-of-20. The Bulls also out-rebounded the Nuggets, 50-38, while outscoring them in the paint, 53-46. They also outscored Denver in second-chance points, 18-8.
The Bulls (11-5) were led by Zach LaVine and his 36 points, five rebounds and four assists. DeMar DeRozan tallied 26 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals on 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. Lonzo Ball accrued seven points, three rebounds and six assists, while Derrick Jones Jr led the bench with 16 points and eight boards.
The Nuggets (9-7) had to play this game without Nikola Jokic (wrist), getting 28 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks from Aaron Gordon to lead the team. He also shot 10-of-12 from the field. Will Barton collected 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. No other starter reached double figures in scoring but Facundo Campazzo led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals.
This was the Bulls first win in Denver since 2006. Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Chicago playing host to the New York Knicks and Denver traveling to face the Phoenix Suns.
Suns Defeat Mavericks, 112-104
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 112-104, at Footprint Center on Friday.
There were five ties and 19 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than seven points until the final moments. The Suns actually rode a 33-20 fourth quarter to that game-high 15-point lead, starting that quarter on a 17-3 run. Phoenix shot 52 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding Dallas to 41 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. The Suns also out-rebounded the Mavericks, 58-43, while outscoring them in the paint, 44-34.
The Mavericks (9-6) were led by Kristaps Porzingis, providing 23 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Tim Hardaway Jr amassed 18 points and four rebounds. Jalen Brunson generated 18 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Dorian Finney-Smith had 12 points and three rebounds. Trey Burke and Willie Cauley-Stein led the bench with eight points apiece.
The Suns (12-3) were led by Devin Booker and his 19 points. Mikal Bridges matched those 19 points, adding four rebounds and three assists on 7-of-7 from the field. Chris Paul tallied 18 points, five rebounds, 14 assists and three steals. Deandre Ayton compiled eight points, 17 rebounds and two assists while JaVale McGee led the bench with 14 points and six rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Phoenix playing host to the Denver Nuggets and Dallas staying on the road to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
There were five ties and 19 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than seven points until the final moments. The Suns actually rode a 33-20 fourth quarter to that game-high 15-point lead, starting that quarter on a 17-3 run. Phoenix shot 52 percent from the field and 48 percent from three-point range while holding Dallas to 41 percent from the field and 30 percent from long range. The Suns also out-rebounded the Mavericks, 58-43, while outscoring them in the paint, 44-34.
The Mavericks (9-6) were led by Kristaps Porzingis, providing 23 points, 12 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Tim Hardaway Jr amassed 18 points and four rebounds. Jalen Brunson generated 18 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Dorian Finney-Smith had 12 points and three rebounds. Trey Burke and Willie Cauley-Stein led the bench with eight points apiece.
The Suns (12-3) were led by Devin Booker and his 19 points. Mikal Bridges matched those 19 points, adding four rebounds and three assists on 7-of-7 from the field. Chris Paul tallied 18 points, five rebounds, 14 assists and three steals. Deandre Ayton compiled eight points, 17 rebounds and two assists while JaVale McGee led the bench with 14 points and six rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Phoenix playing host to the Denver Nuggets and Dallas staying on the road to face the Los Angeles Clippers.
Raptors Defeat Kings, 108-89
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 108-89, at Golden 1 Center on Friday.
While there were five ties and three lead changes in the first quarter, Toronto never relinquished the lead after that. In fact, the Raptors rode a 33-18 second quarter to an 18-point halftime lead and took control with a 33-21 third quarter. Toronto shot 46 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding Sacramento to 38 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range. The Raptors also out-assisted the Kings, 20-15, while out-rebounding them, 53-39.
The Raptors (8-9) were led by Pascal Siakam, tallying 32 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Gary Trent Jr amassed 23 points and four rebounds. Fred VanVleet accrued 13 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Khem Birch generated 10 points, nine rebounds, four steals and two blocks while Chris Boucher led the bench with 10 points and 12 boards.
The Kings (6-10) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 17 points, three assists and two steals. Harrison Barnes totaled 14 points and three assists. Chimzie Metu accumulated 10 points and nine rebounds. Buddy Hield led the bench with 10 points and two assists.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, playing host to the Utah Jazz. As for Toronto, they stay on the road to face the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.
While there were five ties and three lead changes in the first quarter, Toronto never relinquished the lead after that. In fact, the Raptors rode a 33-18 second quarter to an 18-point halftime lead and took control with a 33-21 third quarter. Toronto shot 46 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding Sacramento to 38 percent from the field and 24 percent from long range. The Raptors also out-assisted the Kings, 20-15, while out-rebounding them, 53-39.
The Raptors (8-9) were led by Pascal Siakam, tallying 32 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Gary Trent Jr amassed 23 points and four rebounds. Fred VanVleet accrued 13 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals. Khem Birch generated 10 points, nine rebounds, four steals and two blocks while Chris Boucher led the bench with 10 points and 12 boards.
The Kings (6-10) were led by De'Aaron Fox, finishing with 17 points, three assists and two steals. Harrison Barnes totaled 14 points and three assists. Chimzie Metu accumulated 10 points and nine rebounds. Buddy Hield led the bench with 10 points and two assists.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, playing host to the Utah Jazz. As for Toronto, they stay on the road to face the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.