Timberwolves Need Two OT To Get Past Sixers
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 121-120, at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday evening.
The Timberwolves (10-10) and the 76ers (10-10) had to play a total of 58 minutes to find a winner, and the differential was just one point -- that's the best example of how the game unfolded. The Timberwolves got off to an impressive start and led the first quarter by a 35-20 score and it seemed as if they would dominate the contest, especially after the second quarter ended with a 21-21 tie. However, the Sixers responded with a different attitude in the third quarter and outscored their rivals by a 29-16 margin, closing the gap by just two points with 12 minutes left. Philadelphia won the final quarter by a 30-28 score, and these two teams needed two overtime periods to determine the winner. Minnesota executed better down the stretch, though, and the Wolves ended winning a tight affair in front of rival fans, something they've had problems doing in recent years.
D'Angelo Russell carried the Timberwolves in this one and finished with 35 points, eight assists, four rebounds, two steals and two assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with a 28-point, 10-rebound double-double. Anthony Edwards had 19 points, seven assists and six rebounds, while Jarred Vanderbilt posted 14 rebounds to go along with five points. Naz Reid had 13 points and five rebounds coming off the bench.
Joel Embiid had a monster game for the Sixers since he ended with 42 points and 14 rebounds, while Tyrese Maxey notched 15 points, nine assists and four boards. Seth Curry had 14 points, and Tobias Harris contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Danny Green chipped in with 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals off the bench. Matisse Thybulle had six points.
The Timberwolves (10-10) and the 76ers (10-10) had to play a total of 58 minutes to find a winner, and the differential was just one point -- that's the best example of how the game unfolded. The Timberwolves got off to an impressive start and led the first quarter by a 35-20 score and it seemed as if they would dominate the contest, especially after the second quarter ended with a 21-21 tie. However, the Sixers responded with a different attitude in the third quarter and outscored their rivals by a 29-16 margin, closing the gap by just two points with 12 minutes left. Philadelphia won the final quarter by a 30-28 score, and these two teams needed two overtime periods to determine the winner. Minnesota executed better down the stretch, though, and the Wolves ended winning a tight affair in front of rival fans, something they've had problems doing in recent years.
D'Angelo Russell carried the Timberwolves in this one and finished with 35 points, eight assists, four rebounds, two steals and two assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with a 28-point, 10-rebound double-double. Anthony Edwards had 19 points, seven assists and six rebounds, while Jarred Vanderbilt posted 14 rebounds to go along with five points. Naz Reid had 13 points and five rebounds coming off the bench.
Joel Embiid had a monster game for the Sixers since he ended with 42 points and 14 rebounds, while Tyrese Maxey notched 15 points, nine assists and four boards. Seth Curry had 14 points, and Tobias Harris contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Danny Green chipped in with 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals off the bench. Matisse Thybulle had six points.
Knicks Use Big Second Half To Get Past Hawks
The New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 99-90, at StateFarm Arena on Saturday night.
The Knicks (11-9) and the Hawks (11-10) played a tight contest that was decided in the second half, with both teams trading blows in the first half until New York pulled away for good in the third quarter and never looked back. New York jumped out to a 28-27 lead in the first quarter and held that one-point advantage at the break, but they established a huge differential in the third quarter after outscoring their rivals by 10 points (34-24) and they never looked back. Atlanta won the final quarter by two points (16-14), but the game was all but over and they couldn't even try to mount a comeback. The Knicks closed things out effectively and notched the win.
Alec Burks led the Knicks with a strong performance and finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Evan Fournier had 20 points. R.J. Barrett had 15 points and seven rebounds, while Julius Randle only accounted for eight points, while adding 11 rebounds and four assists. Obi Toppin added 13 points coming off the bench. New York shot 43.9 percent from the field.
Trae Young had 33 points for the losing cause, and he also added seven assists and four rebounds. Clint Capela had a monster double-double since he finished with 16 points and 21 rebounds, but he also supplied three blocks. John Collins had 12 points and nine rebounds, and no other Atlanta player scored in double digits in this one. The Hawks only made 35.5 percent of their shots.
The Knicks (11-9) and the Hawks (11-10) played a tight contest that was decided in the second half, with both teams trading blows in the first half until New York pulled away for good in the third quarter and never looked back. New York jumped out to a 28-27 lead in the first quarter and held that one-point advantage at the break, but they established a huge differential in the third quarter after outscoring their rivals by 10 points (34-24) and they never looked back. Atlanta won the final quarter by two points (16-14), but the game was all but over and they couldn't even try to mount a comeback. The Knicks closed things out effectively and notched the win.
Alec Burks led the Knicks with a strong performance and finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Evan Fournier had 20 points. R.J. Barrett had 15 points and seven rebounds, while Julius Randle only accounted for eight points, while adding 11 rebounds and four assists. Obi Toppin added 13 points coming off the bench. New York shot 43.9 percent from the field.
Trae Young had 33 points for the losing cause, and he also added seven assists and four rebounds. Clint Capela had a monster double-double since he finished with 16 points and 21 rebounds, but he also supplied three blocks. John Collins had 12 points and nine rebounds, and no other Atlanta player scored in double digits in this one. The Hawks only made 35.5 percent of their shots.
Suns Keep Winning Streak Alive With Strong Effort In Brooklyn
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Brooklyn Nets, 113-107, at Barclays Center on Saturday evening.
The Suns got out to a great start on the road, with a, 34-20, lead after one quarter. They kept it rolling to start the second and rallied to a 20-point lead mid way through the quarter, but the Nets fought back to cut it to a 10-point game by halftime. The Suns came out on fire again in the third and rallied back to a 20-point lead, before the Nets trimmed it back to an 18-point lead heading into the final frame. The Suns pushed the lead to a game-high 22 points early in the fourth, which was enough to hold off the Nets the rest of the way and close out their 16th straight win.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 30 points on 9-of-18 shooting, in 32 minutes of action. Chris Paul followed up with 22 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while JaVale McGee totaled 10 points, 10 rebounds and a block, off the bench. The Suns shot 45 percent from the field, including 13-of-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant led the Nets with 39 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, four steals and a block, in 45 minutes. James Harden totaled 12 points, 13 rebounds, 14 assists, two blocks and a steal, while LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre' Bembry chipped in 18 points each. The Nets shot 50 percent from the field, including 7-of-23 from long range.
The Nets (14-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Tuesday. The Suns (17-3) play host to the Warriors on Tuesday.
The Suns got out to a great start on the road, with a, 34-20, lead after one quarter. They kept it rolling to start the second and rallied to a 20-point lead mid way through the quarter, but the Nets fought back to cut it to a 10-point game by halftime. The Suns came out on fire again in the third and rallied back to a 20-point lead, before the Nets trimmed it back to an 18-point lead heading into the final frame. The Suns pushed the lead to a game-high 22 points early in the fourth, which was enough to hold off the Nets the rest of the way and close out their 16th straight win.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 30 points on 9-of-18 shooting, in 32 minutes of action. Chris Paul followed up with 22 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while JaVale McGee totaled 10 points, 10 rebounds and a block, off the bench. The Suns shot 45 percent from the field, including 13-of-38 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant led the Nets with 39 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, four steals and a block, in 45 minutes. James Harden totaled 12 points, 13 rebounds, 14 assists, two blocks and a steal, while LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre' Bembry chipped in 18 points each. The Nets shot 50 percent from the field, including 7-of-23 from long range.
The Nets (14-6) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Tuesday. The Suns (17-3) play host to the Warriors on Tuesday.
Heat Edge Out Bulls In Chicago
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 107-104, at United Center on Saturday evening.
The Heat got out to a strong start on the road, with a, 27-20, lead after one quarter. They stayed on top through the second, but the Bulls kept it close and trailed by just three points at halftime. The Bulls came out stronger in the third quarter and while the Heat held an edge most of the way, the Bulls took a two-point lead into the final frame. The contest stayed close through the fourth, but the Heat opened up a nine-point advantage with just over two minutes left, which was enough of a cushion to hold out for the impressive road win.
Gabe Vincent was the high-point man for the Heat with 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting, in 31 minutes off the bench. Kyle Lowry followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Jimmy Butler totaled 18 points, four rebounds, five assists and five steals. The Heat shot 43 percent from the field, including 14-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Bulls with 28 points, seven rebounds and a steal, in 41 minutes. Alex Caruso followed up with 22 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Lonzo Ball tallied 11 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Bulls shot 47 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from long range.
The Bulls (13-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Monday. The Heat (13-7) play host to the Nuggets on Monday.
The Heat got out to a strong start on the road, with a, 27-20, lead after one quarter. They stayed on top through the second, but the Bulls kept it close and trailed by just three points at halftime. The Bulls came out stronger in the third quarter and while the Heat held an edge most of the way, the Bulls took a two-point lead into the final frame. The contest stayed close through the fourth, but the Heat opened up a nine-point advantage with just over two minutes left, which was enough of a cushion to hold out for the impressive road win.
Gabe Vincent was the high-point man for the Heat with 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting, in 31 minutes off the bench. Kyle Lowry followed up with 19 points, five rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Jimmy Butler totaled 18 points, four rebounds, five assists and five steals. The Heat shot 43 percent from the field, including 14-of-40 from deep.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Bulls with 28 points, seven rebounds and a steal, in 41 minutes. Alex Caruso followed up with 22 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Lonzo Ball tallied 11 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and a steal. The Bulls shot 47 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from long range.
The Bulls (13-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Monday. The Heat (13-7) play host to the Nuggets on Monday.
Cavs Hold Off Magic To End Five-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 105-92, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Saturday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start, as the Cavs led, 27-22, after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, where both teams poured in 27 points, with the Cavs maintaining a five-point lead at halftime. The Cavs came out stronger in the third and held a double-digit lead for most of the quarter, before taking a nine-point lead into the final frame. The Magic could not find and answer in the fourth, as the Cavs charged to the finish and put an end to their five-game losing streak. This marks the sixth straight loss for the Magic.
Darius Garland led the Cavs with 26 points, four rebounds, 11 assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 20 points and five rebounds, while Jarrett Allen totaled 19 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Cavs shot 46 percent from the field, including 14-of-39 shooting from long range.
Meanwhile, Wendell Carter Jr. led the Magic with 19 points, 11 rebounds and two steals, in 32 minutes. Robin Lopez followed up with 13 points, two rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Franz Wagner added 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Magic shot 40 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from deep.
The Magic (4-17) will look to bounce back and end the slide, as they take on the 76ers in Philly on Monday. The Cavs (10-10) take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Monday.
The contest got out to a tight start, as the Cavs led, 27-22, after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, where both teams poured in 27 points, with the Cavs maintaining a five-point lead at halftime. The Cavs came out stronger in the third and held a double-digit lead for most of the quarter, before taking a nine-point lead into the final frame. The Magic could not find and answer in the fourth, as the Cavs charged to the finish and put an end to their five-game losing streak. This marks the sixth straight loss for the Magic.
Darius Garland led the Cavs with 26 points, four rebounds, 11 assists and a steal, in 36 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 20 points and five rebounds, while Jarrett Allen totaled 19 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Cavs shot 46 percent from the field, including 14-of-39 shooting from long range.
Meanwhile, Wendell Carter Jr. led the Magic with 19 points, 11 rebounds and two steals, in 32 minutes. Robin Lopez followed up with 13 points, two rebounds, four assists and two blocks, while Franz Wagner added 12 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Magic shot 40 percent from the field, including 8-of-32 from deep.
The Magic (4-17) will look to bounce back and end the slide, as they take on the 76ers in Philly on Monday. The Cavs (10-10) take on the Mavericks in Dallas on Monday.
Rockets Defeat Hornets in OT, 146-143
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets in OT, 146-143, at Toyota Center on Saturday.
While there were six ties and 10 lead changes in this game, Houston led for all but a few minutes. In fact, Charlotte's largest lead was two points and they held that lead for less than 15 seconds. That can be attributed to the Rockets outscoring the Hornets in the first quarter, 43-30, and in the third quarter, 37-28. Charlotte responded with a 36-25 fourth quarter to send the game into the extra session but an 8-2 run in the overtime decided things for Houston. The Rockets shot 54 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding the Hornets to 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from long range. They also out-rebounded them, 59-53, while out-assisting the Hornets, 36-31.
The Hornets (13-9) were led by Terry Rozier, registering 31 points, three rebounds and five assists. Miles Bridges amassed 22 points, five rebounds and two assists. Gordon Hayward had 21 points, three rebounds and three assists, while LaMelo Ball tallied 19 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. Kelly Oubre Jr led the bench with 23 points, four rebounds and three steals.
The Rockets (3-16) were led by Christian Wood and his 33 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Kevin Porter Jr accumulated 23 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. Eric Gordon amassed 22 points and seven assists, while Garrison Matthews dropped 20 points. Jae'Sean Tate also compiled 16 points, two rebounds and five assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Charlotte traveling to face the Chicago Bulls and Houston remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
While there were six ties and 10 lead changes in this game, Houston led for all but a few minutes. In fact, Charlotte's largest lead was two points and they held that lead for less than 15 seconds. That can be attributed to the Rockets outscoring the Hornets in the first quarter, 43-30, and in the third quarter, 37-28. Charlotte responded with a 36-25 fourth quarter to send the game into the extra session but an 8-2 run in the overtime decided things for Houston. The Rockets shot 54 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while holding the Hornets to 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from long range. They also out-rebounded them, 59-53, while out-assisting the Hornets, 36-31.
The Hornets (13-9) were led by Terry Rozier, registering 31 points, three rebounds and five assists. Miles Bridges amassed 22 points, five rebounds and two assists. Gordon Hayward had 21 points, three rebounds and three assists, while LaMelo Ball tallied 19 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists. Kelly Oubre Jr led the bench with 23 points, four rebounds and three steals.
The Rockets (3-16) were led by Christian Wood and his 33 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Kevin Porter Jr accumulated 23 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. Eric Gordon amassed 22 points and seven assists, while Garrison Matthews dropped 20 points. Jae'Sean Tate also compiled 16 points, two rebounds and five assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Charlotte traveling to face the Chicago Bulls and Houston remaining home to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Wizards Defeat Mavericks, 120-114
The Washington Wizards defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 120-114, at American Airlines Center on Saturday.
There were 12 ties and 21 lead changes in this game, with neither club ever leading by more than eight points. With that said, Washington rode a 29-21 fourth quarter to their win, capping off a 59-45 second half. The Wizards shot 58 percent from the field while holding the Mavericks to just 47 percent shooting. In addition, Washington out-assisted Dallas, 28-23, while out-rebounding them, 43-35. They also outscored them in the paint, 60-46.
The Wizards (13-7) were led by Bradley Beal, tallying 26 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals on 10-of-14 from the field. Kyle Kuzma amassed 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope totaled 16 points and six boards, while Daniel Gafford generated 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Mavericks (10-8) were led by Luka Doncic and his 33 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Kristaps Porzingis provided 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Tim Hardaway Jr had 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Trey Burke led the bench with 14 points, one rebound and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Washington staying on the road to face the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas remaining home to play the San Antonio Spurs.
There were 12 ties and 21 lead changes in this game, with neither club ever leading by more than eight points. With that said, Washington rode a 29-21 fourth quarter to their win, capping off a 59-45 second half. The Wizards shot 58 percent from the field while holding the Mavericks to just 47 percent shooting. In addition, Washington out-assisted Dallas, 28-23, while out-rebounding them, 43-35. They also outscored them in the paint, 60-46.
The Wizards (13-7) were led by Bradley Beal, tallying 26 points, five rebounds, seven assists and two steals on 10-of-14 from the field. Kyle Kuzma amassed 22 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope totaled 16 points and six boards, while Daniel Gafford generated 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Mavericks (10-8) were led by Luka Doncic and his 33 points, four rebounds and 10 assists. Kristaps Porzingis provided 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals. Tim Hardaway Jr had 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals. Trey Burke led the bench with 14 points, one rebound and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Washington staying on the road to face the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas remaining home to play the San Antonio Spurs.
Jazz Roll Pelicans, 127-105
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 127-105, at Vivint Arena on Saturday.
After losing to New Orleans on Friday night, Utah got out to a 37-23 first quarter and dominated this game from there. In fact, they carried a 19-point lead into the half and a 29-point lead into the final frame. The 22-point final margin was the closest it got since the beginning of the third quarter. The Jazz shot 56 percent from the field and 57 percent from three-point range while holding the Pelicans to 43 percent from the field and 23 percent from long range. In addition, Utah's starters outscored New Orleans starters, 73-38.
The Pelicans (5-17) were led by Jonas Valanciunas, amassing 12 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Jaxson Hayes played just seven minutes off the bench but provided 15 points and four rebounds. Brandon Ingram generated 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. Wily Hernangomez had 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
The Jazz (13-7) were led by Donovan Mitchell, tallying 21 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Mike Conley collected 20 points and two assists. Rudy Gobert totaled six points, eight rebounds and two blocks, while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 20 points. Rudy Gay also compiled 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists off the bench as well.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with New Orleans remaining on the road to face the Los Angeles Clippers and Utah staying home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
After losing to New Orleans on Friday night, Utah got out to a 37-23 first quarter and dominated this game from there. In fact, they carried a 19-point lead into the half and a 29-point lead into the final frame. The 22-point final margin was the closest it got since the beginning of the third quarter. The Jazz shot 56 percent from the field and 57 percent from three-point range while holding the Pelicans to 43 percent from the field and 23 percent from long range. In addition, Utah's starters outscored New Orleans starters, 73-38.
The Pelicans (5-17) were led by Jonas Valanciunas, amassing 12 points, 12 rebounds and two assists. Jaxson Hayes played just seven minutes off the bench but provided 15 points and four rebounds. Brandon Ingram generated 11 points, four rebounds and three assists. Wily Hernangomez had 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
The Jazz (13-7) were led by Donovan Mitchell, tallying 21 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Mike Conley collected 20 points and two assists. Rudy Gobert totaled six points, eight rebounds and two blocks, while Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 20 points. Rudy Gay also compiled 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists off the bench as well.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with New Orleans remaining on the road to face the Los Angeles Clippers and Utah staying home to play the Portland Trail Blazers.