Siakam, Haliburton lead Pacers past Lakers on Friday
The Indiana Pacers took down the Los Angeles Lakers, 109-90 , at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night.
In a rematch of the NBA In-Season Tournament Finals, both teams kept things close in the first half, as neither squad led by double digits. The Pacers (42-33) led by five points at halftime, and a 32-23 third quarter extended their lead to 14 points going into the final frame. The Lakers (41-33) brought the game back to single digits in the fourth quarter, but Indiana embarked on a 12-0 run to seal the game as both teams opted to empty their benches in the final minutes. The Pacers improved to 22-15 at home following Friday’s win, while the Lakers dropped to 14-21 on the road.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 24 points, 15 rebounds and three assists for his 58th double-double of the season. LeBron James added 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for his 24th double-double of the year, while Austin Reaves notched his ninth double-double of the season with 16 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. Rui Hachimura chipped in 14 points, while D’Angelo Russell went 3-for-14 from the field to finish with six points, three rebounds and five assists.
Pascal Siakam recorded his 15th double-double of the season with 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Tyrese Haliburton tallied 21 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. T.J. McConnell led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Aaron Nesmith added 12 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Myles Turner collected 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Both teams will next play against the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers will visit Brooklyn on March 31, while the Pacers welcome in the Nets on April 1.
In a rematch of the NBA In-Season Tournament Finals, both teams kept things close in the first half, as neither squad led by double digits. The Pacers (42-33) led by five points at halftime, and a 32-23 third quarter extended their lead to 14 points going into the final frame. The Lakers (41-33) brought the game back to single digits in the fourth quarter, but Indiana embarked on a 12-0 run to seal the game as both teams opted to empty their benches in the final minutes. The Pacers improved to 22-15 at home following Friday’s win, while the Lakers dropped to 14-21 on the road.
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 24 points, 15 rebounds and three assists for his 58th double-double of the season. LeBron James added 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists for his 24th double-double of the year, while Austin Reaves notched his ninth double-double of the season with 16 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. Rui Hachimura chipped in 14 points, while D’Angelo Russell went 3-for-14 from the field to finish with six points, three rebounds and five assists.
Pascal Siakam recorded his 15th double-double of the season with 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Tyrese Haliburton tallied 21 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. T.J. McConnell led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Aaron Nesmith added 12 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Myles Turner collected 10 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Both teams will next play against the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers will visit Brooklyn on March 31, while the Pacers welcome in the Nets on April 1.
Clippers Survive, Defeat Magic
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Orlando Magic, 100-97, at Kia Center on Friday.
The Clippers (46-27) had to work hard and fight a furious comeback attempt from the Magic (42-31) in the fourth quarter. The Clippers enjoyed a great start, but the Magic looked like the better team in the second half. The Magic nearly completed the comeback, as they grabbed the lead in the final two minutes. However, Los Angeles flipped the script in the final seconds thanks to their two best players, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Leonard gave the Clippers the lead with only 34.1 seconds left with a 19-foot jumper, and George iced the game for good with a dagger with only 5.0 seconds left. The Magic could have forced an overtime, but Franz Wagner missed two three-pointers in the dying seconds of the contest. With the win, the Clippers moved to 24-14 on the road. Meanwhile, the Magic fell to 25-12 at home.
Kawhi Leonard was the leading scorer for the Clippers with 29 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks. Ivica Zubac notched 14 points and nine rebounds. Paul George finished with 12 points and four rebounds. James Harden delivered 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. The Clippers shot 48.2 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 23 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Franz Wagner posted 13 points, three rebounds and three assists. Jalen Suggs notched 15 points and five assists. Moritz Wagner added 12 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Orlando shot 44.2 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from deep.
The Clippers (46-27) had to work hard and fight a furious comeback attempt from the Magic (42-31) in the fourth quarter. The Clippers enjoyed a great start, but the Magic looked like the better team in the second half. The Magic nearly completed the comeback, as they grabbed the lead in the final two minutes. However, Los Angeles flipped the script in the final seconds thanks to their two best players, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Leonard gave the Clippers the lead with only 34.1 seconds left with a 19-foot jumper, and George iced the game for good with a dagger with only 5.0 seconds left. The Magic could have forced an overtime, but Franz Wagner missed two three-pointers in the dying seconds of the contest. With the win, the Clippers moved to 24-14 on the road. Meanwhile, the Magic fell to 25-12 at home.
Kawhi Leonard was the leading scorer for the Clippers with 29 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, four steals and two blocks. Ivica Zubac notched 14 points and nine rebounds. Paul George finished with 12 points and four rebounds. James Harden delivered 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. The Clippers shot 48.2 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 23 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Franz Wagner posted 13 points, three rebounds and three assists. Jalen Suggs notched 15 points and five assists. Moritz Wagner added 12 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Orlando shot 44.2 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from deep.
Pistons Top Wizards In Battle Of Struggling Teams
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Washington Wizards, 96-87, at Capital One Arena on Friday.
The Pistons (13-61) and the Wizards (14-60) engaged in a low-scoring battle that could have gone a long way in deciding which team would end the regular season at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The Pistons were the better team in the first half, generating a 19-point lead over the first two quarters. However, the Wizards responded with a 35-21 score in the third quarter to reduce the deficit to just five points. The Wizards couldn’t hold on in the fourth quarter, and the Pistons won the final 12 minutes by a 16-12 score. With the win, the Pistons moved to a 6-30 record away from home. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 6-30 at home.
Cade Cunningham led the way for the Pistons with 33 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Duren had a 20-point, 17-rebound double-double. Evan Fournier delivered 10 points coming off the bench. Jaden Ivey recorded 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Detroit shot 41.6 percent from the field and 25 percent from beyond the arc.
Corey Kispert led the way for the Wizards with 23 points. Marvin Bagley recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds. Deni Avdija sniffed a triple-double after posting 18 points, 11 boards and nine assists. Kyle Kuzma posted 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jordan Poole had seven points while going 3-for-15 from the field. The Wizards shot 40.9 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from deep.
The Pistons (13-61) and the Wizards (14-60) engaged in a low-scoring battle that could have gone a long way in deciding which team would end the regular season at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The Pistons were the better team in the first half, generating a 19-point lead over the first two quarters. However, the Wizards responded with a 35-21 score in the third quarter to reduce the deficit to just five points. The Wizards couldn’t hold on in the fourth quarter, and the Pistons won the final 12 minutes by a 16-12 score. With the win, the Pistons moved to a 6-30 record away from home. Meanwhile, the Wizards fell to 6-30 at home.
Cade Cunningham led the way for the Pistons with 33 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Jalen Duren had a 20-point, 17-rebound double-double. Evan Fournier delivered 10 points coming off the bench. Jaden Ivey recorded 13 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Detroit shot 41.6 percent from the field and 25 percent from beyond the arc.
Corey Kispert led the way for the Wizards with 23 points. Marvin Bagley recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds. Deni Avdija sniffed a triple-double after posting 18 points, 11 boards and nine assists. Kyle Kuzma posted 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jordan Poole had seven points while going 3-for-15 from the field. The Wizards shot 40.9 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from deep.
Warriors Cruise To Easy Win Over Hornets
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 115-97, at Spectrum Center on Friday.
The Warriors (39-34) remain alive in the race for a spot in the Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference with a comfortable win over the Hornets (18-55) despite playing on the road. Golden State set the tone early and jumped to a 26-17 score in the first quarter. Even though the Hornets fought hard and won the second quarter by a 28-24 score, the Warriors remained in control. Golden State closed things out in the third quarter, outscoring Charlotte by a 39-26 margin before the final 12 minutes ended in a 26-26 tie. The game was already over when the fourth quarter started, though. With the win, the Warriors moved to 21-15 on the road. Meanwhile, the Hornets fell to 10-25 at home.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 23 points and four assists. Andrew Wiggins finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Chris Paul posted 11 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Trayce Jackson-Davis recorded 18 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Moses Moody added 15 points off the bench. The Warriors shot 53.9 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from three-point range.
Miles Bridges was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 22 points. Bridges also added nine rebounds and three assists. Brandon Miller and Nick Richards each posted 12 points. Richards also grabbed eight rebounds, while Miller chipped in with three boards and three assists. Davis Bertans ended with 14 points coming off the bench. The Hornets shot 40.5 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from three.
The Warriors (39-34) remain alive in the race for a spot in the Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference with a comfortable win over the Hornets (18-55) despite playing on the road. Golden State set the tone early and jumped to a 26-17 score in the first quarter. Even though the Hornets fought hard and won the second quarter by a 28-24 score, the Warriors remained in control. Golden State closed things out in the third quarter, outscoring Charlotte by a 39-26 margin before the final 12 minutes ended in a 26-26 tie. The game was already over when the fourth quarter started, though. With the win, the Warriors moved to 21-15 on the road. Meanwhile, the Hornets fell to 10-25 at home.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 23 points and four assists. Andrew Wiggins finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Chris Paul posted 11 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Trayce Jackson-Davis recorded 18 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Moses Moody added 15 points off the bench. The Warriors shot 53.9 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from three-point range.
Miles Bridges was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 22 points. Bridges also added nine rebounds and three assists. Brandon Miller and Nick Richards each posted 12 points. Richards also grabbed eight rebounds, while Miller chipped in with three boards and three assists. Davis Bertans ended with 14 points coming off the bench. The Hornets shot 40.5 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from three.
Cavaliers Edge 76ers, 117-114
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 117-114, at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Friday night.
The Cavaliers (45-29) and 76ers (39-35) would engage in a hard-fought battle for all four quarters, with Philadelphia coming back from an early three-point deficit to outscore Cleveland, 62-57, in the middle quarters. Ultimately, the game would fittingly come down to the final seconds, when the returning Donovan Mitchell sank two key free throws with 12.1 seconds left and Tyrese Maxey missed a 26-footer with 2.1 seconds remaining to help seal the hosts' win.
Kyle Lowry led the 76ers with 23 points, complementing them with six assists and three rebounds. Tobias Harris delivered 21 points, seven boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Maxey generated a 16-point, 11-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Mo Bamba turned in 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Paul Reed finished with 12 points, seven boards, three blocks and one steal.
Georges Niang paced the Cavaliers with 25 points, adding one block. Evan Mobley contributed a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Max Strus provided 15 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal. Darius Garland managed a 14-point, 12-assist double-double that included three rebounds. Jarrett Allen and Sam Merrill managed matching 13-point tallies, with Allen pulling down 11 rebounds. Mitchell registered 12 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The 76ers next visit the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening, while the Cavaliers visit the Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon.
The Cavaliers (45-29) and 76ers (39-35) would engage in a hard-fought battle for all four quarters, with Philadelphia coming back from an early three-point deficit to outscore Cleveland, 62-57, in the middle quarters. Ultimately, the game would fittingly come down to the final seconds, when the returning Donovan Mitchell sank two key free throws with 12.1 seconds left and Tyrese Maxey missed a 26-footer with 2.1 seconds remaining to help seal the hosts' win.
Kyle Lowry led the 76ers with 23 points, complementing them with six assists and three rebounds. Tobias Harris delivered 21 points, seven boards, two assists, one steal and one block. Maxey generated a 16-point, 11-assist double-double that included two rebounds and two steals. Mo Bamba turned in 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Paul Reed finished with 12 points, seven boards, three blocks and one steal.
Georges Niang paced the Cavaliers with 25 points, adding one block. Evan Mobley contributed a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Max Strus provided 15 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal. Darius Garland managed a 14-point, 12-assist double-double that included three rebounds. Jarrett Allen and Sam Merrill managed matching 13-point tallies, with Allen pulling down 11 rebounds. Mitchell registered 12 points, eight assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The 76ers next visit the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening, while the Cavaliers visit the Denver Nuggets on Sunday afternoon.
Nets Topple Bulls, 125-108
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Chicago Bulls, 125-108, at Barclays Center on Friday night.
The Nets (29-45) and Bulls (35-39) unsurprisingly opened the game trading blows throughout the first two quarters, with the inconsistent squads entering halftime separated by just five points. Chicago's 52-47 lead at intermission would quickly evaporate, however, as Brooklyn racked up 39 points apiece in the third and four quarters to eventually win going away.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 31 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Coby White furnished 18 points, nine assists and two rebounds. Ayo Dosunmu supplied 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Nikola Vucevic generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and one block.
Cam Thomas paced the Nets with 28 points, supplementing them with eight boards, four assists and one steal. Dennis Schroder registered 27 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Mikal Bridges finished with 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals. Dorian Finney-Smith recorded 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Nic Claxton and Trendon Watford produced matching 11-point, four-assist efforts while pulling down 13 and five rebounds, respectively.
The Bulls remain on the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, while the Nets host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday evening.
The Nets (29-45) and Bulls (35-39) unsurprisingly opened the game trading blows throughout the first two quarters, with the inconsistent squads entering halftime separated by just five points. Chicago's 52-47 lead at intermission would quickly evaporate, however, as Brooklyn racked up 39 points apiece in the third and four quarters to eventually win going away.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 31 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Coby White furnished 18 points, nine assists and two rebounds. Ayo Dosunmu supplied 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. Nikola Vucevic generated a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists and one block.
Cam Thomas paced the Nets with 28 points, supplementing them with eight boards, four assists and one steal. Dennis Schroder registered 27 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one steal. Mikal Bridges finished with 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals. Dorian Finney-Smith recorded 12 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Nic Claxton and Trendon Watford produced matching 11-point, four-assist efforts while pulling down 13 and five rebounds, respectively.
The Bulls remain on the road and visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, while the Nets host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday evening.
Heat Blow Out Blazers, 142-82
The Miami Heat defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 142-82, at Kasyea Center on Friday.
While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win for Miami, it was the most lopsided result of the season. The Heat won all four individual quarters by double-digit margins, leading by at least 30 points for the entirety of the second half. Miami shot 59 percent from the field and 54 percent from three-point range while holding Portland to 40 percent from the field and 17 percent from long range. The Heat also recorded 41 assists to eight turnovers, while the Trail Blazers had 20 assists to 23 turnovers.
The Trail Blazers (19-55) were led by Scoot Henderson, collecting 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Deandre Ayton amassed 18 points and eight rebounds. Kris Murray amassed 11 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Dalano Banton led the bench with 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
The Heat (40-33) were led by Terry Rozier, tallying 22 points, three rebounds and six assists. Bam Adebayo accrued 21 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Patty Mills scored 17 points, while Jimmy Butler had eight points, four rebounds and eight assists. Thomas Bryant led the bench with 26 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Haywood Highsmith totaled 20 points and six boards.
On deck for Miami is a road matchup with the Washington Wizards on Sunday. As for Portland, they return to action on Monday in a road meeting with the Orlando Magic.
While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win for Miami, it was the most lopsided result of the season. The Heat won all four individual quarters by double-digit margins, leading by at least 30 points for the entirety of the second half. Miami shot 59 percent from the field and 54 percent from three-point range while holding Portland to 40 percent from the field and 17 percent from long range. The Heat also recorded 41 assists to eight turnovers, while the Trail Blazers had 20 assists to 23 turnovers.
The Trail Blazers (19-55) were led by Scoot Henderson, collecting 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Deandre Ayton amassed 18 points and eight rebounds. Kris Murray amassed 11 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Dalano Banton led the bench with 12 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
The Heat (40-33) were led by Terry Rozier, tallying 22 points, three rebounds and six assists. Bam Adebayo accrued 21 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Patty Mills scored 17 points, while Jimmy Butler had eight points, four rebounds and eight assists. Thomas Bryant led the bench with 26 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Haywood Highsmith totaled 20 points and six boards.
On deck for Miami is a road matchup with the Washington Wizards on Sunday. As for Portland, they return to action on Monday in a road meeting with the Orlando Magic.
Spurs Defeat Knicks in OT, 130-126
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting New York Knicks in OT, 130-126, at Frost Bank Center on Friday.
There were only two lead changes in this game, but it took an overtime to determine a winner. San Antonio actually held the lead for all but a few minutes, thanks to a 74-57 first half, but New York rode a 34-20 third quarter to make things competitive. San Antonio took control by scoring the first four points in the extra session to complete their win; The Spurs shot 54 percent from the field, while the Knicks shot 45 percent. San Antonio also recorded 34 assists to NY's 24.
The Knicks (44-29) got a career-high from Jalen Brunson, finishing with 61 points, four rebounds and six assists on 25-of-47 shooting. Donte DiVincenzo amassed 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Josh Hart had 12 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while Mitchell Robinson led the bench with seven points and 12 boards.
The Spurs (18-56) were led by Victor Wembanyama, who also had a career-high 40 points, 20 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Devin Vassell provided 23 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Tre Jones tallied 13 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Keldon Johnson led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with San Antonio staying home to play the Golden State Warriors and New York returning home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
There were only two lead changes in this game, but it took an overtime to determine a winner. San Antonio actually held the lead for all but a few minutes, thanks to a 74-57 first half, but New York rode a 34-20 third quarter to make things competitive. San Antonio took control by scoring the first four points in the extra session to complete their win; The Spurs shot 54 percent from the field, while the Knicks shot 45 percent. San Antonio also recorded 34 assists to NY's 24.
The Knicks (44-29) got a career-high from Jalen Brunson, finishing with 61 points, four rebounds and six assists on 25-of-47 shooting. Donte DiVincenzo amassed 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Josh Hart had 12 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while Mitchell Robinson led the bench with seven points and 12 boards.
The Spurs (18-56) were led by Victor Wembanyama, who also had a career-high 40 points, 20 rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Devin Vassell provided 23 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Tre Jones tallied 13 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Keldon Johnson led the bench with 17 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with San Antonio staying home to play the Golden State Warriors and New York returning home to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Thunder Roll Suns, 128-103
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 128-103, at Paycom Center on Friday.
While there were five ties and nine lead changes in the first quarter, Oklahoma City never relinquished the lead after that. The Thunder won all four individual quarters, outscoring Phoenix, 67-48, in the second and third frames. The Thunder shot 56 percent from the field, 53 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line, while the Suns shot 45 percent from the field, 32 percent from long range and 80 percent from the charity stripe. OKC also recorded 33 assists to 10 turnovers, while Phoenix had 26 assists to 14 turnovers.
The Suns (43-31) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 26 points and six rebounds. Bradley Beal accrued 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Devin Booker amassed 14 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Grayson Allen generated 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists. No other player had more than seven points, three rebounds or three assists.
The Thunder (51-22) were led by Josh Giddey, tallying 23 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Chet Holmgren had 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jalen Williams totaled 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Aaron Wiggins provided 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Cason Wallace led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup with the New York Knicks on Sunday. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Monday in a road meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans.
While there were five ties and nine lead changes in the first quarter, Oklahoma City never relinquished the lead after that. The Thunder won all four individual quarters, outscoring Phoenix, 67-48, in the second and third frames. The Thunder shot 56 percent from the field, 53 percent from three-point range and 100 percent from the free-throw line, while the Suns shot 45 percent from the field, 32 percent from long range and 80 percent from the charity stripe. OKC also recorded 33 assists to 10 turnovers, while Phoenix had 26 assists to 14 turnovers.
The Suns (43-31) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 26 points and six rebounds. Bradley Beal accrued 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Devin Booker amassed 14 points, three rebounds and five assists, while Grayson Allen generated 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists. No other player had more than seven points, three rebounds or three assists.
The Thunder (51-22) were led by Josh Giddey, tallying 23 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Chet Holmgren had 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. Jalen Williams totaled 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Aaron Wiggins provided 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Cason Wallace led the bench with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup with the New York Knicks on Sunday. As for Phoenix, they return to action on Monday in a road meeting with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Timberwolves Take Control In Denver
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 111-98, at Ball Arena on Friday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start but the Timberwolves pulled ahead for a seven-point lead after one quarter. The visitors picked up momentum in the second and outscored the Nuggets, 29-17, to claim a 19-point cushion by halftime. The hosts had no answers in the third, as the Timberwolves managed to push their lead up to 23, entering the final quarter. The Nuggets brought a better effort in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Timberwolves closed out their fourth straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Nuggets.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 39 minutes. Mike Conley followed up with 23 points, three rebounds and eight assists, while Rudy Gobert logged 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter followed up with 14 points each, while Reggie Jackson chipped in 12 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (51-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Sunday. The Timberwolves (51-22) play host to the Bulls on Sunday.
The game got out to a competitive start but the Timberwolves pulled ahead for a seven-point lead after one quarter. The visitors picked up momentum in the second and outscored the Nuggets, 29-17, to claim a 19-point cushion by halftime. The hosts had no answers in the third, as the Timberwolves managed to push their lead up to 23, entering the final quarter. The Nuggets brought a better effort in the fourth, but it was too little, too late, as the Timberwolves closed out their fourth straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Nuggets.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 39 minutes. Mike Conley followed up with 23 points, three rebounds and eight assists, while Rudy Gobert logged 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 32 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter followed up with 14 points each, while Reggie Jackson chipped in 12 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (51-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Sunday. The Timberwolves (51-22) play host to the Bulls on Sunday.
Rockets Edge Jazz In Utah
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the host Utah Jazz, 101-100, at Delta Center on Friday evening.
The Jazz jumped out to a strong start and led, 23-13, after one quarter. The Rockets picked up their play in the second and managed to trim it to a six-point game at the break. The score stayed tight through the third and after a couple of lead changes, the hosts maintained a three-point edge entering the final quarter. Both sides kept up the fight through a competitive fourth quarter, but the Rockets took control in the final minute and maintained the upper hand to close out their 11th straight win. This also marks the eighth straight loss for the Jazz.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 34 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Fred VanVleet followed up with 22 points, two rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks, while Amen Thompson logged 18 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, John Collins led the Jazz with 30 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and two blocks, in 30 minutes. Collin Sexton followed up with 29 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Johnny Juzang chipped in 12 points, two rebounds and three assists, off the bench.
The Jazz (29-45) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Kings on Sunday. The Rockets (38-35) play host to the Mavericks on Sunday.
The Jazz jumped out to a strong start and led, 23-13, after one quarter. The Rockets picked up their play in the second and managed to trim it to a six-point game at the break. The score stayed tight through the third and after a couple of lead changes, the hosts maintained a three-point edge entering the final quarter. Both sides kept up the fight through a competitive fourth quarter, but the Rockets took control in the final minute and maintained the upper hand to close out their 11th straight win. This also marks the eighth straight loss for the Jazz.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 34 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Fred VanVleet followed up with 22 points, two rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks, while Amen Thompson logged 18 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block.
Meanwhile, John Collins led the Jazz with 30 points, 11 rebounds, a steal and two blocks, in 30 minutes. Collin Sexton followed up with 29 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Johnny Juzang chipped in 12 points, two rebounds and three assists, off the bench.
The Jazz (29-45) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Kings on Sunday. The Rockets (38-35) play host to the Mavericks on Sunday.
Mavs Come Up Clutch In Sacramento
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 107-103, at Golden 1 Center on Friday evening.
The Kings got out to a strong start and led, 34-26, after one quarter. The Mavs tightened up their play in the second but still saw the deficit grow to nine points by halftime. Both sides came out equal in the third, producing 22 points each, as the hosts maintained a nine-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Mavericks did not back down in the fourth and managed to tie it up at 92, with just over six minutes left. The score stayed tight down the stretch, but the Mavs came up clutch in the final minute to claim the lead and close out their sixth straight win. This also marks the second consecutive loss for the Kings.
Kyrie Irving led the Mavs with 30 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 38 minutes. Luka Doncic followed up with 26 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists and two steals, while Dereck Lively logged 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block.
Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 40 minutes. Harrison Barnes followed up with 20 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Keon Ellis added 16 points, six rebounds and three blocks.
The Kings (42-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Sunday. The Mavs (44-29) clash with the Rockets in Houston on Sunday.
The Kings got out to a strong start and led, 34-26, after one quarter. The Mavs tightened up their play in the second but still saw the deficit grow to nine points by halftime. Both sides came out equal in the third, producing 22 points each, as the hosts maintained a nine-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Mavericks did not back down in the fourth and managed to tie it up at 92, with just over six minutes left. The score stayed tight down the stretch, but the Mavs came up clutch in the final minute to claim the lead and close out their sixth straight win. This also marks the second consecutive loss for the Kings.
Kyrie Irving led the Mavs with 30 points, three rebounds and two assists, in 38 minutes. Luka Doncic followed up with 26 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists and two steals, while Dereck Lively logged 12 points, nine rebounds, two assists and a block.
Meanwhile, De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 23 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals, in 40 minutes. Harrison Barnes followed up with 20 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Keon Ellis added 16 points, six rebounds and three blocks.
The Kings (42-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Sunday. The Mavs (44-29) clash with the Rockets in Houston on Sunday.