Knicks Come From Behind, Top Rockets
The New York Knicks defeated the Houston Rockets, 106-99, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday afternoon.
The Rockets (1-15) showed signs of being competent at times, but they weren’t able to get past the Knicks (9-7) on the road and kept their woeful losing streak alive -- one that has already reached 14 games. The Rockets got off to a strong start and jumped out to a 21-13 lead in the first quarter, but the Knicks responded with a 34-26 score in the second quarter -- meaning the first half ended with a 47-47 tie. Houston managed to lead after three by just one point following a 26-25 score, but the Knicks turned things around in the final 12 minutes. New York won the final quarter by a 34-26 score and that was enough to lift them to a big victory in front of their fans.
Alec Burks surprisingly led the Knicks in scoring, as he finished with 20 points off the bench while also adding five rebounds, five steals and three assists. Evan Fournier had 19 points, while Julius Randle chipped in with 16 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. R.J. Barrett ended with 11 points, and Kemba Walker added nine points. Immanuel Quickley recorded 13 points off the bench.
Christian Wood was the best player for the Rockets since he ended with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Jae’Sean Tate also had a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards. Eric Gordon contributed 15 points, five assists and three boards, while rookie Jalen Green chipped in with 16 points while adding two boards and two assists. Alperen Sengun and Kenyon Martin Jr. had 10 points off the bench.
The Rockets (1-15) showed signs of being competent at times, but they weren’t able to get past the Knicks (9-7) on the road and kept their woeful losing streak alive -- one that has already reached 14 games. The Rockets got off to a strong start and jumped out to a 21-13 lead in the first quarter, but the Knicks responded with a 34-26 score in the second quarter -- meaning the first half ended with a 47-47 tie. Houston managed to lead after three by just one point following a 26-25 score, but the Knicks turned things around in the final 12 minutes. New York won the final quarter by a 34-26 score and that was enough to lift them to a big victory in front of their fans.
Alec Burks surprisingly led the Knicks in scoring, as he finished with 20 points off the bench while also adding five rebounds, five steals and three assists. Evan Fournier had 19 points, while Julius Randle chipped in with 16 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. R.J. Barrett ended with 11 points, and Kemba Walker added nine points. Immanuel Quickley recorded 13 points off the bench.
Christian Wood was the best player for the Rockets since he ended with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Jae’Sean Tate also had a double-double with 11 points and 10 boards. Eric Gordon contributed 15 points, five assists and three boards, while rookie Jalen Green chipped in with 16 points while adding two boards and two assists. Alperen Sengun and Kenyon Martin Jr. had 10 points off the bench.
Pacers Dominate, Cruise Over Pelicans
The Indiana Pacers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 111-94, Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday night.
The Pacers (7-11) looked dominant right from the start and didn't have problems getting the job done against a Pelicans (3-14) team that struggled all game long. Indiana quickly raced out to a 32-19 lead in the first quarter, and that would set the tone for the rest of the game. The Pacers didn't slow things down, but the Pelicans showed signs of putting up a fight in the second quarter, outscoring Indiana by a 27-26 score. With a healthy 12-point lead entering the second half, Indiana also looked dominant in the third quarter and outscored their rivals by a 38-18 score. The fourth quarter was garbage time with the game already decided, and the Pacers didn't have problems closing things out with absolute ease.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Pelicans with a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Brandon Ingram finished with 12 points. Those were the only two starters that scored in double digits for New Orleans, though, as the team struggled badly as a whole. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Josh Hart combined for 13 points. Naji Marshall was the team's best performer off the bench and ended with 14 points, while Kira Lewis added 12 points.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 20 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, while Justin Holiday contributed 17 points and Malcolm Brogdon added 16 points. Myles Turner came close to a double-double after posting 11 points and nine rebounds. Kelan Martin looked impressive off the bench and had 12 points off the bench.
The Pacers (7-11) looked dominant right from the start and didn't have problems getting the job done against a Pelicans (3-14) team that struggled all game long. Indiana quickly raced out to a 32-19 lead in the first quarter, and that would set the tone for the rest of the game. The Pacers didn't slow things down, but the Pelicans showed signs of putting up a fight in the second quarter, outscoring Indiana by a 27-26 score. With a healthy 12-point lead entering the second half, Indiana also looked dominant in the third quarter and outscored their rivals by a 38-18 score. The fourth quarter was garbage time with the game already decided, and the Pacers didn't have problems closing things out with absolute ease.
Jonas Valanciunas led the Pelicans with a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Brandon Ingram finished with 12 points. Those were the only two starters that scored in double digits for New Orleans, though, as the team struggled badly as a whole. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Josh Hart combined for 13 points. Naji Marshall was the team's best performer off the bench and ended with 14 points, while Kira Lewis added 12 points.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 20 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, while Justin Holiday contributed 17 points and Malcolm Brogdon added 16 points. Myles Turner came close to a double-double after posting 11 points and nine rebounds. Kelan Martin looked impressive off the bench and had 12 points off the bench.
Wizards Edge Out Heat In Washington
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 103-100, at Capital One Arena on Saturday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start, as the Wizards held a one-point lead after one quarter. It stayed tight through the second, while the Heat managed to grab a two-point advantage by halftime. The Heat carried the momentum into the third and rallied to a 16-point lead mid way through the third, before the Wizards charged back to cut it down to a four-point game heading into the fourth. The Heat kept the upper hand through the final frame, but Wizards managed to tie it up with 2:15 left in the contest and outscored the Heat, 7-3, the rest of the way to close out the impressive home win.
Bradley Beal led the way for the Wizards with 21 points, three rebounds and nine assists, in 37 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope followed up with 16 points each, which Montrezl Harrell chipped in 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Wizards shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 29 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Tyler Herro followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Bam Adebayo totaled 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. The Heat shot 47 percent from the field, including 7-of-27 from long range.
The Heat (11-6) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Tuesday. The Wizards (11-5) play host to the Hornets on Monday.
The contest got out to a tight start, as the Wizards held a one-point lead after one quarter. It stayed tight through the second, while the Heat managed to grab a two-point advantage by halftime. The Heat carried the momentum into the third and rallied to a 16-point lead mid way through the third, before the Wizards charged back to cut it down to a four-point game heading into the fourth. The Heat kept the upper hand through the final frame, but Wizards managed to tie it up with 2:15 left in the contest and outscored the Heat, 7-3, the rest of the way to close out the impressive home win.
Bradley Beal led the way for the Wizards with 21 points, three rebounds and nine assists, in 37 minutes. Spencer Dinwiddie and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope followed up with 16 points each, which Montrezl Harrell chipped in 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Wizards shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 29 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 38 minutes. Tyler Herro followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Bam Adebayo totaled 15 points, six rebounds and three assists. The Heat shot 47 percent from the field, including 7-of-27 from long range.
The Heat (11-6) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pistons in Detroit on Tuesday. The Wizards (11-5) play host to the Hornets on Monday.
Hawks Secure Win Over Hornets
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 115-105, at StateFarm Arena on Saturday evening.
The Hawks (8-9) are creeping closer to the. 500 mark with another win, as they took care of a rising Hornets (10-8) team in front of their fans. Atlanta set the tone of the game early and won the first quarter by a 25-21 score, but they managed to pull away by a 35-27 score in the second quarter and that meant they held a double-digit lead by halftime. The third quarter ended with a 29-29 tie and Atlanta had it in their hands to close things out. Even though Charlotte won the final quarter by a 28-26 score, it wasn't enough to mount a comeback and they won the game by a wide margin.
Clint Capela led the Hawks with a 20-point, 15-rebounds double-double, while Trae Young finished with 19 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Kevin Huerter had 17 points and four dimes, while John Collins ended with 15 points and eight rebounds. Cam Reddish had 17 points and Danilo Gallinari had 16 points off the bench -- both had six boards as well.
Miles Bridges had 35 points to lead the Hornets on this loss, and he also added 10 boards and three dimes. Gordon Hayward had 11 points and eight boards, and LaMelo had a triple-double of 15 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Terry Rozier had 10 points, four boards and four dimes. Cody Martin had 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
The Hawks (8-9) are creeping closer to the. 500 mark with another win, as they took care of a rising Hornets (10-8) team in front of their fans. Atlanta set the tone of the game early and won the first quarter by a 25-21 score, but they managed to pull away by a 35-27 score in the second quarter and that meant they held a double-digit lead by halftime. The third quarter ended with a 29-29 tie and Atlanta had it in their hands to close things out. Even though Charlotte won the final quarter by a 28-26 score, it wasn't enough to mount a comeback and they won the game by a wide margin.
Clint Capela led the Hawks with a 20-point, 15-rebounds double-double, while Trae Young finished with 19 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Kevin Huerter had 17 points and four dimes, while John Collins ended with 15 points and eight rebounds. Cam Reddish had 17 points and Danilo Gallinari had 16 points off the bench -- both had six boards as well.
Miles Bridges had 35 points to lead the Hornets on this loss, and he also added 10 boards and three dimes. Gordon Hayward had 11 points and eight boards, and LaMelo had a triple-double of 15 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Terry Rozier had 10 points, four boards and four dimes. Cody Martin had 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Celtics Hold Off Thunder In Boston
By Dan Bruno
The Boston Celtics defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 111-105, at TD Garden on Saturday evening.
The Celtics got out to a strong start at home with a, 30-23, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead to 13, by halftime. The Thunder came out stronger in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as the Celtics added another two points to their advantage to make it a 15-point game heading into the final frame. The Thunder made a push in the fourth and cut it down to a four-point game with 11 seconds left, but the Celtics held on to close out the home win. This marks the second straight win for the Celtics and the second consecutive loss for the Thunder.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Dennis Schroder followed up with 29 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Al Horford totaled 10 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and a block. The Celtics shot 47 percent from the field, including, 17-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort was the high-point man for the Thunder, with 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting, in 36 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. The Thunder shot 41 percent from the field, including 18-of-42 from long range.
The Thunder (6-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Monday. The Celtics (9-8) play host to the Rockets on Monday.
The Celtics got out to a strong start at home with a, 30-23, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead to 13, by halftime. The Thunder came out stronger in the third but could not cut into the deficit, as the Celtics added another two points to their advantage to make it a 15-point game heading into the final frame. The Thunder made a push in the fourth and cut it down to a four-point game with 11 seconds left, but the Celtics held on to close out the home win. This marks the second straight win for the Celtics and the second consecutive loss for the Thunder.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Dennis Schroder followed up with 29 points, four rebounds and six assists, while Al Horford totaled 10 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and a block. The Celtics shot 47 percent from the field, including, 17-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort was the high-point man for the Thunder, with 16 points on 5-of-15 shooting, in 36 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. The Thunder shot 41 percent from the field, including 18-of-42 from long range.
The Thunder (6-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Monday. The Celtics (9-8) play host to the Rockets on Monday.
Bucks Hold Off Late Push By Mavericks
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 117-108, at Fiserv Forum on Saturday evening.
The Bucks got out to a great start at home, with a 12-point lead after one quarter. The Magic came out stronger in the second but could not cut into the deficit, as it remained a 12-point game at halftime. The Bucks came out dominant in the third and outscored the visitors, 34-21, to push their advantage to 25, heading into the final frame. The Magic did not give up and mounted a rally in the fourth to cut it to a six-point game with two minutes left, but the Bucks held their ground in crunch time to earn their third straight win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 32 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals, in 30 minutes. Bobby Portis followed up with 24 points, 15 rebounds and a block, while Grayson Allen totaled 16 points and seven rebounds. The Bucks shot 45 percent from the field, including 19-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, R.J. Hampton was the high-point man for the Magic, with 19 points, to go with five rebounds, nine assists and a steal, in 28 minutes off the bench. Jalen Suggs totaled 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Chuma Okeke and Mychal Mulder chipped in 13 points each. The Magic shot 40 percent from the field, including 19-of-51 from long range.
The Bucks (9-8) and Magic (4-13) will face off again in Milwaukee on Monday.
The Bucks got out to a great start at home, with a 12-point lead after one quarter. The Magic came out stronger in the second but could not cut into the deficit, as it remained a 12-point game at halftime. The Bucks came out dominant in the third and outscored the visitors, 34-21, to push their advantage to 25, heading into the final frame. The Magic did not give up and mounted a rally in the fourth to cut it to a six-point game with two minutes left, but the Bucks held their ground in crunch time to earn their third straight win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 32 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals, in 30 minutes. Bobby Portis followed up with 24 points, 15 rebounds and a block, while Grayson Allen totaled 16 points and seven rebounds. The Bucks shot 45 percent from the field, including 19-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, R.J. Hampton was the high-point man for the Magic, with 19 points, to go with five rebounds, nine assists and a steal, in 28 minutes off the bench. Jalen Suggs totaled 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Chuma Okeke and Mychal Mulder chipped in 13 points each. The Magic shot 40 percent from the field, including 19-of-51 from long range.
The Bucks (9-8) and Magic (4-13) will face off again in Milwaukee on Monday.
T'Wolves Defeat Grizzlies, 138-95
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 138-95, at Target Center on Saturday.
Minnesota won each of the first three quarters by at least 12 points apiece, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they led by 17 points after the first quarter, by 29 points going into the half and by 42 going into the final frame. The Timberwolves shot 54 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 35 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. Minnesota also out-rebounded Memphis, 50-33, while out-assisting them, 28-21.
The Grizzlies (8-8) were led by Desmond Bane and his 21 points and five rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. Ja Morant had 11 points and five assists, while Tyus Jones led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and two assists, He actually had the best plus-minus of all of those guys, sitting at -17.
The Timberwolves (7-9) were led by D'Angelo Russell, registering 28 points, four rebounds and five assists. Anthony Edwards scored 19 points in the first quarter and finished with 23 points and two assists. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 21 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Malik Beasley led the bench with 12 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Minnesota traveling to face the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis staying on the road to face the Utah Jazz.
Minnesota won each of the first three quarters by at least 12 points apiece, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, they led by 17 points after the first quarter, by 29 points going into the half and by 42 going into the final frame. The Timberwolves shot 54 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 35 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. Minnesota also out-rebounded Memphis, 50-33, while out-assisting them, 28-21.
The Grizzlies (8-8) were led by Desmond Bane and his 21 points and five rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 12 points, four rebounds and two assists. Ja Morant had 11 points and five assists, while Tyus Jones led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and two assists, He actually had the best plus-minus of all of those guys, sitting at -17.
The Timberwolves (7-9) were led by D'Angelo Russell, registering 28 points, four rebounds and five assists. Anthony Edwards scored 19 points in the first quarter and finished with 23 points and two assists. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 21 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Malik Beasley led the bench with 12 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Minnesota traveling to face the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis staying on the road to face the Utah Jazz.
Trail Blazers Defeat Sixers, 118-111
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 118-111, at Moda Center on Saturday.
Portland got out to a 30-25 lead after the first quarter and took control with a 25-21 second quarter. That opening frame allowed them to hold the lead for the final three quarters, getting their lead up to 18 points at times in the third quarter. Philadelphia fought back to make it a three-point game in the fourth but never took a shot to tie the game. The Trail Blazers shot 15-of-34 from three-point range while the Sixers his just 10-of-28. Portland also went a perfect 23-of-23 from the free-throw line.
The Sixers (8-8) were led by Tobias Harris, tallying 28 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Tyrese Maxey totaled 28 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Georges Niang started and amassed 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. No other player had more than 10 points or three assists.
The Trail Blazers (9-8) got a season-high 39 points from Damian Lillard, providing seven assists and three blocks as well. C.J. McCollum generated 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Norman Powell compiled 17 points and two assists, while Jusuf Nurkic had 11 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals.
On deck for Philly is a road matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Monday. As for Portland, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets.
Portland got out to a 30-25 lead after the first quarter and took control with a 25-21 second quarter. That opening frame allowed them to hold the lead for the final three quarters, getting their lead up to 18 points at times in the third quarter. Philadelphia fought back to make it a three-point game in the fourth but never took a shot to tie the game. The Trail Blazers shot 15-of-34 from three-point range while the Sixers his just 10-of-28. Portland also went a perfect 23-of-23 from the free-throw line.
The Sixers (8-8) were led by Tobias Harris, tallying 28 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Tyrese Maxey totaled 28 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Georges Niang started and amassed 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. No other player had more than 10 points or three assists.
The Trail Blazers (9-8) got a season-high 39 points from Damian Lillard, providing seven assists and three blocks as well. C.J. McCollum generated 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Norman Powell compiled 17 points and two assists, while Jusuf Nurkic had 11 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals.
On deck for Philly is a road matchup with the Sacramento Kings on Monday. As for Portland, they return to action on Tuesday in a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets.
Jazz Defeat Kings, 123-105
The Utah Jazz defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 123-105, at Golden 1 Center on Saturday.
While there were 13 lead changes in the first half, Utah never relinquished the lead in the second half. With that said, there were three ties in the third quarter but Utah rode a 39-25 fourth quarter to this lopsided victory. The Jazz shot 51 percent from the field, 44 percent from three-point range and 82 percent from the free-throw line while the Kings hit just 45 percent from the field, 32 percent from long range and 62 percent from the charity stripe. Utah also out-rebounded Sacramento, 52-35.
The Jazz (11-5) were led by Donovan Mitchell and his 26 points, five rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert registered 21 points and 14 rebounds. Mike Conley collected 17 points and two assists while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Hassan Whiteside also had a minimum double-double off the bench, too.
The Kings (6-11) were led by Richaun Holmes, tallying 22 points and seven rebounds. Harrison Barnes had 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Tyrese Haliburton compiled 17 points, two assists and four steals, while De'Aaron Fox accumulated 13 points and three assists. Buddy Hield led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday with Sacramento remaining home to face the struggling Philadelphia 76ers and Utah returning home to play the Memphis Grizzlies.
While there were 13 lead changes in the first half, Utah never relinquished the lead in the second half. With that said, there were three ties in the third quarter but Utah rode a 39-25 fourth quarter to this lopsided victory. The Jazz shot 51 percent from the field, 44 percent from three-point range and 82 percent from the free-throw line while the Kings hit just 45 percent from the field, 32 percent from long range and 62 percent from the charity stripe. Utah also out-rebounded Sacramento, 52-35.
The Jazz (11-5) were led by Donovan Mitchell and his 26 points, five rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert registered 21 points and 14 rebounds. Mike Conley collected 17 points and two assists while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Hassan Whiteside also had a minimum double-double off the bench, too.
The Kings (6-11) were led by Richaun Holmes, tallying 22 points and seven rebounds. Harrison Barnes had 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Tyrese Haliburton compiled 17 points, two assists and four steals, while De'Aaron Fox accumulated 13 points and three assists. Buddy Hield led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday with Sacramento remaining home to face the struggling Philadelphia 76ers and Utah returning home to play the Memphis Grizzlies.