Sixers Enjoy Strong Start To Get Past Magic
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Orlando Magic, 101-96, at Wells Fargo Center on Monday night.
The 76ers (11-10) moved back over the .500 threshold with a solid win over the Magic (4-18) in a game where they enjoyed a strong start and later cruised their way, though the final score still shows the game ended up being closer than many expected it to be. Philadelphia jumped out to a 31-19 lead in the first quarter, but the Magic responded with a 24-23 score in the second quarter and a 35-27 score in the third -- meaning they made it just a three-point game with 12 minutes left on the clock. The Sixers re-grouped right when they needed to do so, however, and they won the final quarter by a 20-18 score. That was enough to earn the victory in this matchup that proved to be far more complicated than originally envisioned when looking at both teams' records.
Seth Curry was the top scorer for the Sixers thanks to a 24-point outing that also included two rebounds and two steals, while Joel Embiid chipped in with 16 points and 13 rebounds en route to a double-double. Tobias Harris had 17 points and nine rebounds, while no other starter scored in double digits for the Sixers. In fact, no other Philadelphia player reached the 10-point mark. The Sixers only shot 40.2 percent from the field and 30.3 percent from three-point range.
Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 27 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Mo Bamba chipped in with a double-double of 11 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks. Jalen Suggs had 17 points and five assists, while Gary Harris contributed 16 points and five boards. Wendell Carter Jr. had 12 rebounds to go along with eight points. Orlando shot 41.1 percent from the field and 24.2 percent from deep.
The 76ers (11-10) moved back over the .500 threshold with a solid win over the Magic (4-18) in a game where they enjoyed a strong start and later cruised their way, though the final score still shows the game ended up being closer than many expected it to be. Philadelphia jumped out to a 31-19 lead in the first quarter, but the Magic responded with a 24-23 score in the second quarter and a 35-27 score in the third -- meaning they made it just a three-point game with 12 minutes left on the clock. The Sixers re-grouped right when they needed to do so, however, and they won the final quarter by a 20-18 score. That was enough to earn the victory in this matchup that proved to be far more complicated than originally envisioned when looking at both teams' records.
Seth Curry was the top scorer for the Sixers thanks to a 24-point outing that also included two rebounds and two steals, while Joel Embiid chipped in with 16 points and 13 rebounds en route to a double-double. Tobias Harris had 17 points and nine rebounds, while no other starter scored in double digits for the Sixers. In fact, no other Philadelphia player reached the 10-point mark. The Sixers only shot 40.2 percent from the field and 30.3 percent from three-point range.
Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with 27 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Mo Bamba chipped in with a double-double of 11 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks. Jalen Suggs had 17 points and five assists, while Gary Harris contributed 16 points and five boards. Wendell Carter Jr. had 12 rebounds to go along with eight points. Orlando shot 41.1 percent from the field and 24.2 percent from deep.
Nuggets Win Rematch With Heat, 120-111
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat, 120-111, at FTX Arena on Monday night.
Each team came into the contest with a significant injury question mark, as Nikola Jokic and Jimmy Butler were carrying questionable tags due to wrist and tailbone injuries, respectively. Ultimately, Jokic was able to return from a four-game absence, while Butler sat out the game The talent advantage was evident during the first half when the Nuggets (10-10) racked up 63 first-half points to Heat's (13-8) 43. Miami was able to play better offense in the second half while totaling 68 points, but their 11-0 run over the last 1:40 made the game look deceptively closer than what it was.
Jokic led the way for the Nuggets with a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Aaron Gordon followed with 20 points, five assists and four rebounds. Bones Hyland poured in 19 points, while Will Barton contributed 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jeff Green supplied 12 points and three rebounds. Monte Morris registered 11 points, six assists and four rebounds.
Bam Adebayo paced the Heat with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists. Max Strus turned in 19 points, three assists and two rebounds. Caleb Martin furnished 18 points, four rebounds and one assist. Kyle Lowry contributed 17 points, 14 assists and two rebounds. Gabe Vincent netted 14 points.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, while the Heat remain home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
Each team came into the contest with a significant injury question mark, as Nikola Jokic and Jimmy Butler were carrying questionable tags due to wrist and tailbone injuries, respectively. Ultimately, Jokic was able to return from a four-game absence, while Butler sat out the game The talent advantage was evident during the first half when the Nuggets (10-10) racked up 63 first-half points to Heat's (13-8) 43. Miami was able to play better offense in the second half while totaling 68 points, but their 11-0 run over the last 1:40 made the game look deceptively closer than what it was.
Jokic led the way for the Nuggets with a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double that included seven assists and one steal. Aaron Gordon followed with 20 points, five assists and four rebounds. Bones Hyland poured in 19 points, while Will Barton contributed 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jeff Green supplied 12 points and three rebounds. Monte Morris registered 11 points, six assists and four rebounds.
Bam Adebayo paced the Heat with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that included six assists. Max Strus turned in 19 points, three assists and two rebounds. Caleb Martin furnished 18 points, four rebounds and one assist. Kyle Lowry contributed 17 points, 14 assists and two rebounds. Gabe Vincent netted 14 points.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night, while the Heat remain home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
Bulls Secure Win Over Hornets
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 133-119, at United Center on Monday night.
The Bulls (14-8) and the Hornets (13-10) played a tight game early on, but the Hornets eventually were unable to keep up with Chicago and lost the game without putting up much of a right. The first quarter ended with a 31-30 lead for the Hornets, but the Bulls responded quickly and grabbed the lead after outscoring their rivals by a 39-27 score. The Bulls didn't take the foot off the gas in the third quarter and also won, this time by a comfortable 35-27 score, and had the game all but wrapped up heading into the final 12 minutes. Charlotte won the final quarter by a 34-29 score but it was not enough. Chicago won the game with ease in front of their fans.
Nikola Vucevic led the way for Chicago with 30 points and 14 rebounds, while DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine both cleared the 25-point mark for the Bulls -- DeRozan had 28 points, six assists and five rebounds while LaVine posted 25 points, six boards and five dimes. Lonzo Ball ended with 16 points and eight assists. Alex Caruso had 14 points and seven assists off the bench.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 31 points and four assists, while LaMelo Ball ended with 18 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds. Gordon Hayward had 22 points and six boards. Kelly Oubre had 18 points off the bench and P.J. Washington posted 15 points off the bench as well.
The Bulls (14-8) and the Hornets (13-10) played a tight game early on, but the Hornets eventually were unable to keep up with Chicago and lost the game without putting up much of a right. The first quarter ended with a 31-30 lead for the Hornets, but the Bulls responded quickly and grabbed the lead after outscoring their rivals by a 39-27 score. The Bulls didn't take the foot off the gas in the third quarter and also won, this time by a comfortable 35-27 score, and had the game all but wrapped up heading into the final 12 minutes. Charlotte won the final quarter by a 34-29 score but it was not enough. Chicago won the game with ease in front of their fans.
Nikola Vucevic led the way for Chicago with 30 points and 14 rebounds, while DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine both cleared the 25-point mark for the Bulls -- DeRozan had 28 points, six assists and five rebounds while LaVine posted 25 points, six boards and five dimes. Lonzo Ball ended with 16 points and eight assists. Alex Caruso had 14 points and seven assists off the bench.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 31 points and four assists, while LaMelo Ball ended with 18 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds. Gordon Hayward had 22 points and six boards. Kelly Oubre had 18 points off the bench and P.J. Washington posted 15 points off the bench as well.
Rockets Topple Thunder, 102-89
The Houston Rockets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 102-89, at Toyota Center on Monday night.
The Rockets (4-16) checked into the contest riding a rare two-game win streak, and their quest to extend that stretch got off to a very favorable start in the first half in the form of a 46-37 halftime lead over the Thunder (6-14). There was no post-halftime letup, either, as Houston built its lead up by another three points going into the final period. The home squad limited Oklahoma City to 35.6 percent shooting while winning the battle of the boards by a 60-45 margin.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 22 points, complementing them with four assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Tre Mann and Isaiah Roby provided matching 17-point contributions while adding five and seven rebounds, respectively.
Christian Wood led the Rockets with a 24-point, 21-rebound double-double that included three blocks and one steal. Garrison Mathews posted 19 points, two rebounds and one assist. Jae'Sean Tate supplied 15 points, eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. Danuel House, Jr. compiled 12 points and eight boards. Kevin Porter generated an 11-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that included three steals.
The two teams reconvene for a rematch at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday night.
The Rockets (4-16) checked into the contest riding a rare two-game win streak, and their quest to extend that stretch got off to a very favorable start in the first half in the form of a 46-37 halftime lead over the Thunder (6-14). There was no post-halftime letup, either, as Houston built its lead up by another three points going into the final period. The home squad limited Oklahoma City to 35.6 percent shooting while winning the battle of the boards by a 60-45 margin.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the Thunder with 22 points, complementing them with four assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Tre Mann and Isaiah Roby provided matching 17-point contributions while adding five and seven rebounds, respectively.
Christian Wood led the Rockets with a 24-point, 21-rebound double-double that included three blocks and one steal. Garrison Mathews posted 19 points, two rebounds and one assist. Jae'Sean Tate supplied 15 points, eight assists, six rebounds and one steal. Danuel House, Jr. compiled 12 points and eight boards. Kevin Porter generated an 11-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that included three steals.
The two teams reconvene for a rematch at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday night.
Timberwolves Edge Out Pacers In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 100-98, at Target Center on Monday evening.
The Pacers got out to a good start on the road with a six-point lead after one quarter. The Timberwolves kept it close through the second but the Pacers held the edge most of the way and rallied to a nine-point lead by halftime. The Pacers kept the upper hand through most of the third, but the hosts kept chipping away and closed the quarter strong to grab a two-point lead heading into the final frame. They kept the momentum going and pushed to a nine-point lead mid way through the quarter. The Pacers kept up the fight and tied it up again with 1:14 left, but the Timberwolves came up clutch to secure their second straight win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Pacers.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for the Timberwolves with 32 points, eight rebounds and two assists, in 32 minutes. Anthony Edwards totaled 21 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals, while D'Angelo Russell finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists and a steal. The Timberwolves shot 44 percent from the field, including 9-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 40 minutes. Domantas Sabonis totaled 16 points, 25 rebounds, 10 assists and a block, while Justin Holiday chipped in 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Pacers shot 40 percent from the field, including 9-of-37 from deep.
The Pacers (9-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Wednesday. The Timberwolves (11-10) take on the Wizards in Washington on Wednesday.
The Pacers got out to a good start on the road with a six-point lead after one quarter. The Timberwolves kept it close through the second but the Pacers held the edge most of the way and rallied to a nine-point lead by halftime. The Pacers kept the upper hand through most of the third, but the hosts kept chipping away and closed the quarter strong to grab a two-point lead heading into the final frame. They kept the momentum going and pushed to a nine-point lead mid way through the quarter. The Pacers kept up the fight and tied it up again with 1:14 left, but the Timberwolves came up clutch to secure their second straight win, while this marks the second straight loss for the Pacers.
Karl-Anthony Towns led the way for the Timberwolves with 32 points, eight rebounds and two assists, in 32 minutes. Anthony Edwards totaled 21 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals, while D'Angelo Russell finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, 11 assists and a steal. The Timberwolves shot 44 percent from the field, including 9-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Brogdon led the Pacers with 25 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 40 minutes. Domantas Sabonis totaled 16 points, 25 rebounds, 10 assists and a block, while Justin Holiday chipped in 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. The Pacers shot 40 percent from the field, including 9-of-37 from deep.
The Pacers (9-14) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hawks on Wednesday. The Timberwolves (11-10) take on the Wizards in Washington on Wednesday.
Cavs Stun Mavericks In Dallas
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 114-96, at American Airlines Center on Monday evening.
The Cavs got out to a strong start on the road with a, 30-23, lead after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and pushed their lead up to 11, by halftime. The Mavs had no answers in the third, as they saw the deficit grow to 22 points, by the end of the quarter. The Cavs had no trouble hanging on through the final frame, as they closed out the impressive road win. This marks the second straight win for the Cavaliers, and it marks the second straight loss for the Mavericks.
Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavs, with 28 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Darius Garland finished with 18 points, two rebounds and nine assists. The Cavs shot 56 percent from the field, including 10-of-19 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 25 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Dorian Finney-Smith followed up with 14 points, two assists and two steals, while Maxi Kleber chipped in 13 points, off the bench. The Mavs shot 44 percent from the field, including 12-of-39 from deep.
The Mavs (11-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday. The Cavs (11-10) take on the Heat in Miami on Wednesday.
The Cavs got out to a strong start on the road with a, 30-23, lead after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second and pushed their lead up to 11, by halftime. The Mavs had no answers in the third, as they saw the deficit grow to 22 points, by the end of the quarter. The Cavs had no trouble hanging on through the final frame, as they closed out the impressive road win. This marks the second straight win for the Cavaliers, and it marks the second straight loss for the Mavericks.
Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavs, with 28 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and a block, in 34 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Darius Garland finished with 18 points, two rebounds and nine assists. The Cavs shot 56 percent from the field, including 10-of-19 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 25 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Dorian Finney-Smith followed up with 14 points, two assists and two steals, while Maxi Kleber chipped in 13 points, off the bench. The Mavs shot 44 percent from the field, including 12-of-39 from deep.
The Mavs (11-8) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Wednesday. The Cavs (11-10) take on the Heat in Miami on Wednesday.
Spurs Defeat Wizards, 116-99
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 116-99, at AT&T Center on Monday.
While there were seven ties and 13 lead changes in the first half, San Antonio rode a 39-27 third quarter to their victory. In fact, they closed out that half with a 32-21 fourth quarter, capping off a 71-48 second half. The Spurs shot 53 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range, while holding the Wizards to 45 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. San Antonio also out-rebounded Washington, 51-40, while outscoring them in the paint, 72-56. They also outscored the Wizards in fastbreak points, 17-0.
The Wizards (13-8) were led by Bradley Beal and his 18 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope amassed 17 points and three assists. Spencer Dinwiddie had 16 points and six rebounds, while Daniel Gafford generated 11 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with six points, five rebounds and six assists.
The Spurs (6-13) were led by Derrick White, tallying 24 points, five rebounds and five assists. Dejounte Murray collected 22 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Jakob Poeltl totaled 14 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks, while Keldon Johnson compiled 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. Thaddeus Young and Bryn Forbes led the bench with 10 points and two assists apiece.
On deck for Washington is a home matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. As for San Antonio, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers.
While there were seven ties and 13 lead changes in the first half, San Antonio rode a 39-27 third quarter to their victory. In fact, they closed out that half with a 32-21 fourth quarter, capping off a 71-48 second half. The Spurs shot 53 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range, while holding the Wizards to 45 percent from the field and 29 percent from long range. San Antonio also out-rebounded Washington, 51-40, while outscoring them in the paint, 72-56. They also outscored the Wizards in fastbreak points, 17-0.
The Wizards (13-8) were led by Bradley Beal and his 18 points, two rebounds and eight assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope amassed 17 points and three assists. Spencer Dinwiddie had 16 points and six rebounds, while Daniel Gafford generated 11 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with six points, five rebounds and six assists.
The Spurs (6-13) were led by Derrick White, tallying 24 points, five rebounds and five assists. Dejounte Murray collected 22 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Jakob Poeltl totaled 14 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks, while Keldon Johnson compiled 13 points, five rebounds and two assists. Thaddeus Young and Bryn Forbes led the bench with 10 points and two assists apiece.
On deck for Washington is a home matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. As for San Antonio, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Jazz Defeat Trail Blazers, 129-107
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 129-107, at Vivint Arena on Monday.
Utah rode a 32-26 second quarter to their victory, holding the lead for the entirety of the second half. In fact, they outscored the Trail Blazers, 76-58, in that deciding half, getting their lead up to 24 points at times. Utah shot 53 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding Portland to 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. The Jazz also recorded 31 assists to five turnovers, while the Trail Blazers had 19 assists to eight turnovers.
The Trail Blazers (10-11) were led by Jusuf Nurkic and his 24 points and 10 rebounds. C.J. McCollum accrued 19 points, three rebounds and six assists. Damian Lillard collected 11 points, six rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons led the bench with 24 points and two assists. No other player had more than eight points or two assists.
The Jazz (14-7) were led by Donovan Mitchell, tallying 30 points, two rebounds, five assists and four steals. Rudy Gobert generated 21 points, 16 rebounds and three assists. Joe Ingles had 14 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Bojan Bogdanovic compiled 13 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Portland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, playing host to the Detroit Pistons. As for Utah, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Boston Celtics.
Utah rode a 32-26 second quarter to their victory, holding the lead for the entirety of the second half. In fact, they outscored the Trail Blazers, 76-58, in that deciding half, getting their lead up to 24 points at times. Utah shot 53 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range while holding Portland to 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. The Jazz also recorded 31 assists to five turnovers, while the Trail Blazers had 19 assists to eight turnovers.
The Trail Blazers (10-11) were led by Jusuf Nurkic and his 24 points and 10 rebounds. C.J. McCollum accrued 19 points, three rebounds and six assists. Damian Lillard collected 11 points, six rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons led the bench with 24 points and two assists. No other player had more than eight points or two assists.
The Jazz (14-7) were led by Donovan Mitchell, tallying 30 points, two rebounds, five assists and four steals. Rudy Gobert generated 21 points, 16 rebounds and three assists. Joe Ingles had 14 points, two rebounds and six assists, while Bojan Bogdanovic compiled 13 points, four rebounds and two assists. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 22 points, six rebounds and four assists.
Portland has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, playing host to the Detroit Pistons. As for Utah, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Boston Celtics.
Pelicans Defeat Clippers, 123-104
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 123-104, at Staples Center on Monday.
While there were seven lead changes in the opening five minutes, a 37-22 first quarter carried New Orleans to their victory. In fact, they led by at least eight points for the final three quarters, getting their lead up to 22 points at times. Both teams shot exactly 51 percent from the field. The Pelicans ended up out-rebounding the Clippers, 47-35, while out-assisting them, 30-17. They also won the turnover battle, 15-7, while recording 11 steals to Los Angeles' two. In addition, the Pelicans outscored the Clippers in the paint, 66-32, and in fastbreak points, 22-6.
The Pelicans (6-17) were led by Jonas Valanciunas and his 39 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Brandon Ingram tallied 27 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Herbert Jones amassed 16 points, four rebounds and two steals, while Josh Hart collected four points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and two steals.
The Clippers (12-9) were led by Paul George, providing 27 points, three rebounds and three assists. Reggie Jackson registered 19 points, five rebounds and two assists. Eric Bledsoe accumulated 10 points, thee rebounds and two assists, while Serge Ibaka led the bench with 13 points and six boards.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with New Orleans playing host to the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Sacramento Kings.
While there were seven lead changes in the opening five minutes, a 37-22 first quarter carried New Orleans to their victory. In fact, they led by at least eight points for the final three quarters, getting their lead up to 22 points at times. Both teams shot exactly 51 percent from the field. The Pelicans ended up out-rebounding the Clippers, 47-35, while out-assisting them, 30-17. They also won the turnover battle, 15-7, while recording 11 steals to Los Angeles' two. In addition, the Pelicans outscored the Clippers in the paint, 66-32, and in fastbreak points, 22-6.
The Pelicans (6-17) were led by Jonas Valanciunas and his 39 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Brandon Ingram tallied 27 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Herbert Jones amassed 16 points, four rebounds and two steals, while Josh Hart collected four points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and two steals.
The Clippers (12-9) were led by Paul George, providing 27 points, three rebounds and three assists. Reggie Jackson registered 19 points, five rebounds and two assists. Eric Bledsoe accumulated 10 points, thee rebounds and two assists, while Serge Ibaka led the bench with 13 points and six boards.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with New Orleans playing host to the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Sacramento Kings.