Nets Top Knicks In Tight Contest
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the New York Knicks, 112-110, at Barclays Center on Tuesday night.
The Nets (15-6) and the Knicks (11-10) played a tight contest that went back-and-forth most of the time, but ultimately, the x closed things out and played better down the stretch -- that was enough to give them the win in this tight battle for bragging rights in New York. The Nets got off to a strong start and outscored their rivals by a 33-28 score, but the Knicks responded with a 33-27 score in the second -- and they held a one-point lead following the first half. The Nets started the third quarter on a 14-0 run and seemed as if they were going to run away with the game, but the Knicks ended the same 12-minute stretch on a 16-4 run thanks to a couple of key threes from Evan Fournier, as the game was a four-point contest with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The Knicks were up by one midway through the fourth quarter after opening with a 14-9 les ad, and both teams traded blows during the remainder of the game. In the end, the Nets prevailed and secured the win in what was a thrilling matchup.
James Harden was the leading scorer for the Nets with 34 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Kevin Durant ended with 27 points, nine assists and five boards. Patty Mills had 10 points, two rebounds and two assists. Cam Thomas added 12 points off the bench as well.
Alec Burks led the Knicks with 25 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Julius Randle notched 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Evan Fournier had 13 points and made a couple of key threes in the second half. Derrick Rose ended with 16 points, nine assists and five rebounds off the bench. Immanuel Quickley had 12 points and seven boards off the bench as well.
The Nets (15-6) and the Knicks (11-10) played a tight contest that went back-and-forth most of the time, but ultimately, the x closed things out and played better down the stretch -- that was enough to give them the win in this tight battle for bragging rights in New York. The Nets got off to a strong start and outscored their rivals by a 33-28 score, but the Knicks responded with a 33-27 score in the second -- and they held a one-point lead following the first half. The Nets started the third quarter on a 14-0 run and seemed as if they were going to run away with the game, but the Knicks ended the same 12-minute stretch on a 16-4 run thanks to a couple of key threes from Evan Fournier, as the game was a four-point contest with only 12 minutes left on the clock. The Knicks were up by one midway through the fourth quarter after opening with a 14-9 les ad, and both teams traded blows during the remainder of the game. In the end, the Nets prevailed and secured the win in what was a thrilling matchup.
James Harden was the leading scorer for the Nets with 34 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Kevin Durant ended with 27 points, nine assists and five boards. Patty Mills had 10 points, two rebounds and two assists. Cam Thomas added 12 points off the bench as well.
Alec Burks led the Knicks with 25 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Julius Randle notched 24 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Evan Fournier had 13 points and made a couple of key threes in the second half. Derrick Rose ended with 16 points, nine assists and five rebounds off the bench. Immanuel Quickley had 12 points and seven boards off the bench as well.
Grizzlies Topple Raptors, 98-91
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Toronto Raptors, 98-91, at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday night.
The Grizzlies (11-10) had managed to prevail easily in their first game without star guard Ja Morant (knee) on Sunday, but Tuesday brought their first road game in his absence. Memphis started out just as hot as they'd finished off in their win against the Kings 48 hours prior, jumping out to a 27-18 lead over the Raptors (9-13) in the first 12 minutes. The advantage had been extended to 11 points by halftime, but Toronto managed to put an eight-point dent in its deficit during the third quarter. That set up an intriguing final period where the hosts got as close as within five points on multiple occasions before a pair of Dillon Brooks free throws with just under 17 seconds remaining sealed the win.
Jaren Jackson led the way for the Grizzlies with 25 points, complementing them with six rebounds, one assist and five blocks. Desmond Bane provided 23 points, seven boards, two assists and one block. Brooks supplied 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, four steals and one block. De'Anthony Melton registered nine points, 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 20 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, five assists, three blocks and one steal. Scottie Barnes tallied 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, four blocks and two steals. Fred VanVleet managed 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Yuta Watanabe finished with 11 points and six rebounds.
The Grizzlies return home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night as well.
The Grizzlies (11-10) had managed to prevail easily in their first game without star guard Ja Morant (knee) on Sunday, but Tuesday brought their first road game in his absence. Memphis started out just as hot as they'd finished off in their win against the Kings 48 hours prior, jumping out to a 27-18 lead over the Raptors (9-13) in the first 12 minutes. The advantage had been extended to 11 points by halftime, but Toronto managed to put an eight-point dent in its deficit during the third quarter. That set up an intriguing final period where the hosts got as close as within five points on multiple occasions before a pair of Dillon Brooks free throws with just under 17 seconds remaining sealed the win.
Jaren Jackson led the way for the Grizzlies with 25 points, complementing them with six rebounds, one assist and five blocks. Desmond Bane provided 23 points, seven boards, two assists and one block. Brooks supplied 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, four steals and one block. De'Anthony Melton registered nine points, 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Pascal Siakam paced the Raptors with 20 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, five assists, three blocks and one steal. Scottie Barnes tallied 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, four blocks and two steals. Fred VanVleet managed 15 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Yuta Watanabe finished with 11 points and six rebounds.
The Grizzlies return home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night as well.
Suns Top Warriors For 17th Consecutive Win
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 104-96, at Footprint Center on Tuesday evening.
The Warriors got out to a good start with a 35-31 lead after one quarter. They kept the edge through most of the second, but the Suns closed the quarter on a 10-4 run, to take a two-point lead by halftime. The hosts carried the momentum into the second half, as they pulled ahead to a nine-point lead mid way through the third, but the Warriors cut it back to a two-point game heading into the fourth. The Suns turned up the defense in the fourth and rallied to a game-high 10-point lead late in the quarter, which was enough to close out their 17th consecutive win. This marks the end of a seven-game win streak for the Warriors.
DeAndre Ayton led the Suns with 24 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, in 34 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 15 points, 11 assists, and five steals, while Devin Booker was quiet with just 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting. The Suns shot 49 percent from the field, including 54.5 percent from deep.
Meanwhile, Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 28 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Otto Porter followed up with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Stephen Curry had an off night with just 12 points on 4-of-21 shooting. The Warriors shot 42 percent from the field, including 14-of-40 from long range.
The Warriors (18-3) and the Suns (18-3) will face off again on Friday in Phoenix. However, the Suns play host to the Pistons in the meantime, on Thursday.
The Warriors got out to a good start with a 35-31 lead after one quarter. They kept the edge through most of the second, but the Suns closed the quarter on a 10-4 run, to take a two-point lead by halftime. The hosts carried the momentum into the second half, as they pulled ahead to a nine-point lead mid way through the third, but the Warriors cut it back to a two-point game heading into the fourth. The Suns turned up the defense in the fourth and rallied to a game-high 10-point lead late in the quarter, which was enough to close out their 17th consecutive win. This marks the end of a seven-game win streak for the Warriors.
DeAndre Ayton led the Suns with 24 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and a steal, in 34 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 15 points, 11 assists, and five steals, while Devin Booker was quiet with just 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting. The Suns shot 49 percent from the field, including 54.5 percent from deep.
Meanwhile, Jordan Poole led the Warriors with 28 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Otto Porter followed up with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Stephen Curry had an off night with just 12 points on 4-of-21 shooting. The Warriors shot 42 percent from the field, including 14-of-40 from long range.
The Warriors (18-3) and the Suns (18-3) will face off again on Friday in Phoenix. However, the Suns play host to the Pistons in the meantime, on Thursday.
Trail Blazers Defeat Pistons, 110-92
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 110-92, at Moda Center on Tuesday.
While there were six lead changes in the first quarter, Portland never relinquished the lead after that. In fact, they led 27-21 after the first quarter, carrying a nine-point lead into the half and a 21-point lead into the final frame. The Blazers got their lead up to 26 points at times, holding a double-digit lead for the final 22 minutes. Portland shot 43 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding Detroit to 38 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. In addition, the Blazers recorded 24 assists to 10 turnovers while the Pistons had 17 assists to 18 turnovers.
The Pistons (4-17) were led by Cade Cuningham, collecting 26 points, seven rebounds and three blocks on 10-of-13 from the field. Isaiah Stewart amassed 15 points and 13 rebounds. Jerami Grant generated 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Killian Hayes had 11 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Frank Jackson led the bench with 10 points.
The Trail Blazers (11-11) were led by C.J. McCollum and his 28 points, four rebounds and six assists. Jusuf Nurkic tallied 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons started for Damian Lillard and accumulated 12 points, six rebounds and five assists. Ben McLemore led the bench with 17 points and two rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Detroit staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns and Portland remaining home to play the San Antonio Spurs.
While there were six lead changes in the first quarter, Portland never relinquished the lead after that. In fact, they led 27-21 after the first quarter, carrying a nine-point lead into the half and a 21-point lead into the final frame. The Blazers got their lead up to 26 points at times, holding a double-digit lead for the final 22 minutes. Portland shot 43 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding Detroit to 38 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. In addition, the Blazers recorded 24 assists to 10 turnovers while the Pistons had 17 assists to 18 turnovers.
The Pistons (4-17) were led by Cade Cuningham, collecting 26 points, seven rebounds and three blocks on 10-of-13 from the field. Isaiah Stewart amassed 15 points and 13 rebounds. Jerami Grant generated 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Killian Hayes had 11 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Frank Jackson led the bench with 10 points.
The Trail Blazers (11-11) were led by C.J. McCollum and his 28 points, four rebounds and six assists. Jusuf Nurkic tallied 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Anfernee Simons started for Damian Lillard and accumulated 12 points, six rebounds and five assists. Ben McLemore led the bench with 17 points and two rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Thursday, with Detroit staying on the road to face the Phoenix Suns and Portland remaining home to play the San Antonio Spurs.
Lakers Defeat Kings, 117-92
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 117-92, at Golden 1 Center on Tuesday.
While Sacramento dominated the first half behind a 28-20 first quarter, Los Angeles completed their comeback with a 37-15 third quarter and 30-18 fourth quarter. In fact, the Lakers finished that third quarter on a 26-5 run across the final seven minutes to take control. Los Angeles shot 50 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding Sacramento to 44 percent from the field and 21 percent from long range. The Lakers also won the turnover battle, 19-14
The Lakers (12-11) were led by Anthony Davis and his 25 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Russell Westbrook tallied 23 points, five rebounds and six assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 22 points, four rebounds and four assists. Dwight Howard also had 12 points, 13 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
The Kings (8-14) were led by Richaun Holmes, hitting 12 of his 13 shots to finish with 27 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. De'Aaron Fox amassed 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Chimezie Metu accrued 14 points, 11 rebounds and three steals. Tyrese Haliburton totaled six points, five rebounds and six assists.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, facing the Los Angeles Clippers on the road. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Clippers as well.
While Sacramento dominated the first half behind a 28-20 first quarter, Los Angeles completed their comeback with a 37-15 third quarter and 30-18 fourth quarter. In fact, the Lakers finished that third quarter on a 26-5 run across the final seven minutes to take control. Los Angeles shot 50 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding Sacramento to 44 percent from the field and 21 percent from long range. The Lakers also won the turnover battle, 19-14
The Lakers (12-11) were led by Anthony Davis and his 25 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Russell Westbrook tallied 23 points, five rebounds and six assists. Malik Monk led the bench with 22 points, four rebounds and four assists. Dwight Howard also had 12 points, 13 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
The Kings (8-14) were led by Richaun Holmes, hitting 12 of his 13 shots to finish with 27 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two blocks. De'Aaron Fox amassed 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Chimezie Metu accrued 14 points, 11 rebounds and three steals. Tyrese Haliburton totaled six points, five rebounds and six assists.
Sacramento has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Wednesday, facing the Los Angeles Clippers on the road. As for the Lakers, they return to action on Friday in a home matchup with the Clippers as well.