Spurs Rally, Defeat Pistons
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Detroit Pistons, 119-107, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday evening.
The Spurs (24-17) and the Pistons (17-21) were expected to play a back-and-forth game, and that's what happened... at least during the first half of action. Detroit jumped to a rather surprising 31-25 following the first quarter, but San Antonio turned things around and a 34-20 advantage in the second quarter saw them go up by eight points (59-51) entering the break. The Spurs would dominate the second half completely, and they won the remaining two quarters, 25-22 and 35-34 respectively, as they ended cruising their way towards a comfortable win on the road. With the win, San Antonio extended their positive run: they have won 13 of their last 16 games.
As it has been the case during the entire season, DeMar DeRozan (26 points, nine assists, seven rebounds) and LaMarcus Aldridge (25 points, six rebounds). They got help, though, since Derrick White contributed 17 points and Bryn Forbes registered 15 points. The bench provided a nice boost as well - Patty Mills chipped in with 13 points, while sharp-shooter Marco Belinelli had nine points in 21 minutes.
Blake Griffin led the way for the Pistons despite the loss since he finished with 31 points and eight assists, flourishing in his primary ball-handler role. Andre Drummond filled the stat sheet nicely since he contributed 19 points, 14 rebounds, three steals and two assists. Reggie Jackson had 14 points and Reggie Bullock chipped in with 13 points and four boards.
The Spurs (24-17) and the Pistons (17-21) were expected to play a back-and-forth game, and that's what happened... at least during the first half of action. Detroit jumped to a rather surprising 31-25 following the first quarter, but San Antonio turned things around and a 34-20 advantage in the second quarter saw them go up by eight points (59-51) entering the break. The Spurs would dominate the second half completely, and they won the remaining two quarters, 25-22 and 35-34 respectively, as they ended cruising their way towards a comfortable win on the road. With the win, San Antonio extended their positive run: they have won 13 of their last 16 games.
As it has been the case during the entire season, DeMar DeRozan (26 points, nine assists, seven rebounds) and LaMarcus Aldridge (25 points, six rebounds). They got help, though, since Derrick White contributed 17 points and Bryn Forbes registered 15 points. The bench provided a nice boost as well - Patty Mills chipped in with 13 points, while sharp-shooter Marco Belinelli had nine points in 21 minutes.
Blake Griffin led the way for the Pistons despite the loss since he finished with 31 points and eight assists, flourishing in his primary ball-handler role. Andre Drummond filled the stat sheet nicely since he contributed 19 points, 14 rebounds, three steals and two assists. Reggie Jackson had 14 points and Reggie Bullock chipped in with 13 points and four boards.
Celtics Dominate Nets, 116-95
The Boston Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 116-95, at TD Garden on Monday night.
The Celtics (24-15) came into the contest the much more well-rested team, considering they'd last played Friday. In contrast, the Nets (20-22) were playing their third game in four nights, and the disparity seemed evident right from the opening tip. Boston established a 34-22 first-quarter lead and continued piling on from that point forward. The home squad outscored Brooklyn by a 60-50 margin in the second half and shot an impressive 50.5 percent overall while eliciting 23 turnovers.
Rodions Kurucs led the way for the Nets with 24 points, adding a rebound and an assist. Spencer Dinwiddie followed with 15 points and also posted two rebounds and one assist. Kenneth Faried generated a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist, one steal and one block. Eric Davis delivered 11 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Shabazz Napier supplied 10 points, six assists, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Treveon Graham tallied nine points.
The Celtics had eight double-digit scorers overall, led by Kyrie Irving, who turned in 17 points, six assists, two rebounds and three steals. Jayson Tatum finished with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Marcus Morris, Al Horford, Marcus Smart and Gordon Hayward all pitched in 12 points each. Horford notably also brought down nine rebounds, while Smart dished out seven assists. Daniel Theis totaled 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Terry Rozier poured in 10 points and also had four rebounds and four assists.
The Nets head back home to take on the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, while the Celtics remain home and take on the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday evening as well.
The Celtics (24-15) came into the contest the much more well-rested team, considering they'd last played Friday. In contrast, the Nets (20-22) were playing their third game in four nights, and the disparity seemed evident right from the opening tip. Boston established a 34-22 first-quarter lead and continued piling on from that point forward. The home squad outscored Brooklyn by a 60-50 margin in the second half and shot an impressive 50.5 percent overall while eliciting 23 turnovers.
Rodions Kurucs led the way for the Nets with 24 points, adding a rebound and an assist. Spencer Dinwiddie followed with 15 points and also posted two rebounds and one assist. Kenneth Faried generated a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist, one steal and one block. Eric Davis delivered 11 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Shabazz Napier supplied 10 points, six assists, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Treveon Graham tallied nine points.
The Celtics had eight double-digit scorers overall, led by Kyrie Irving, who turned in 17 points, six assists, two rebounds and three steals. Jayson Tatum finished with 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Marcus Morris, Al Horford, Marcus Smart and Gordon Hayward all pitched in 12 points each. Horford notably also brought down nine rebounds, while Smart dished out seven assists. Daniel Theis totaled 11 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Terry Rozier poured in 10 points and also had four rebounds and four assists.
The Nets head back home to take on the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, while the Celtics remain home and take on the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday evening as well.
Pelicans Earn Second Consecutive Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 114-95, at Smoothie King Center on Monday evening.
The Pelicans got out to a good start on the road, with a 31-27 lead after one quarter. The Grizzlies pushed back through the second but still trailed by two, 53-51, at halftime. The Pelicans came out strong in the third quarter, and outscored the Grizzlies by 11, to take an 86-73 lead into the final frame. They held the momentum through the fourth and outscored the visitors by six points in the quarter, to secure their second straight win.
Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with 36 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals, in 35 minutes. Julius Randle followed up with 15 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while Jrue Holiday finished with 13 points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals. The Pelicans shot 56 percent from the field, including 6-of-17 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mike Conley led the Grizzlies with 22 points, 10 assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 33 minutes. JaMychal Green followed up with 16 points and five rebounds, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 12 points and one rebound. The Grizzlies shot 45 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from long range.
The Grizzlies (18-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Wednesday. The Pelicans (19-22) play host to the Cavs on Wednesday.
The Pelicans got out to a good start on the road, with a 31-27 lead after one quarter. The Grizzlies pushed back through the second but still trailed by two, 53-51, at halftime. The Pelicans came out strong in the third quarter, and outscored the Grizzlies by 11, to take an 86-73 lead into the final frame. They held the momentum through the fourth and outscored the visitors by six points in the quarter, to secure their second straight win.
Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with 36 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals, in 35 minutes. Julius Randle followed up with 15 points, nine rebounds and two assists, while Jrue Holiday finished with 13 points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals. The Pelicans shot 56 percent from the field, including 6-of-17 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mike Conley led the Grizzlies with 22 points, 10 assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 33 minutes. JaMychal Green followed up with 16 points and five rebounds, while Jaren Jackson Jr. added 12 points and one rebound. The Grizzlies shot 45 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from long range.
The Grizzlies (18-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Wednesday. The Pelicans (19-22) play host to the Cavs on Wednesday.
Rockets Dispose of Nuggets, 125-113
The Houston Rockets defeated the Denver Nuggets, 125-113, at Toyota Center on Monday evening.
The two talented squads each came out with the hot hand, as the Nuggets (26-11) exited the first quarter with a slim 35-33 lead. However, the Rockets (24-16) would take control for good in the second quarter, forging a 70-60 halftime lead. While Denver would shave three points off their deficit in the third, the outcome wasn't in doubt. Houston enjoyed an excellent shooting night overall, draining 50.0 percent of its attempts, including 46.8 percent from three-point range.
Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two steals and one block. Monte Morris paced the bench with 21 points and also dished out five assists, posted three rebounds and recorded two steals. Gary Harris and Malik Beasley contributed 14 points apiece. Jamal Murray supplied 13 points, four dimes and two rebounds. Paul Millsap mustered just six points, three rebounds, two assists and one block.
James Harden led the Rockets with 32 points, adding 14 assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Clint Capela generated 31 points, nine boards, two assists and two steals. Gerald Green delivered 21 points and five rebounds. P.J. Tucker matched Green's scoring and added one assist, four steals and two blocks. Danuel House, Jr. went for six points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Nuggets remain on the road and take on the Miami Heat on Tuesday evening, while the Rockets remain home and tangle with the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.
The two talented squads each came out with the hot hand, as the Nuggets (26-11) exited the first quarter with a slim 35-33 lead. However, the Rockets (24-16) would take control for good in the second quarter, forging a 70-60 halftime lead. While Denver would shave three points off their deficit in the third, the outcome wasn't in doubt. Houston enjoyed an excellent shooting night overall, draining 50.0 percent of its attempts, including 46.8 percent from three-point range.
Nikola Jokic paced the Nuggets with a 24-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four assists, two steals and one block. Monte Morris paced the bench with 21 points and also dished out five assists, posted three rebounds and recorded two steals. Gary Harris and Malik Beasley contributed 14 points apiece. Jamal Murray supplied 13 points, four dimes and two rebounds. Paul Millsap mustered just six points, three rebounds, two assists and one block.
James Harden led the Rockets with 32 points, adding 14 assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block. Clint Capela generated 31 points, nine boards, two assists and two steals. Gerald Green delivered 21 points and five rebounds. P.J. Tucker matched Green's scoring and added one assist, four steals and two blocks. Danuel House, Jr. went for six points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Nuggets remain on the road and take on the Miami Heat on Tuesday evening, while the Rockets remain home and tangle with the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.
Bucks Defeat Jazz, 114-102
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 114-102, at Fiserv Forum on Monday.
This scoreline is unfair to Utah, as this game was close until the final minutes. In fact, Milwaukee's biggest lead was 13 points, as it was within a single-digit margin for the first 45 minutes of action. The Bucks rode a 31-16 fourth quarter to that double-digit scoreline, as there were 10 ties and 23 lead changes across the first three quarters. The assist-to-turnover ratio was the difference in the game, with Milwaukee recording 27 assists to 10 turnovers while Utah recorded 20 assists to 15 turnovers. The Bucks ended up shooting 47 percent from the field while holding the Jazz to 42 percent shooting.
The Jazz (20-21) were led by Donovan Mitchell, as he amassed 26 points and three rebounds. Rudy Gobert finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Derrick Favors totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Ricky Rubio left after four minutes due to a hamstring injury but scored nine points.
The Bucks (28-11) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he collected 30 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon accrued 21 points, five rebounds and five assists. Brook Lopez accrued 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocks while Khris Middleton finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Thon Maker led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and two steals.
On deck for Milwaukee is a road matchup versus the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Utah also returns to action on Wednesday, as they play host to the Orlando Magic.
This scoreline is unfair to Utah, as this game was close until the final minutes. In fact, Milwaukee's biggest lead was 13 points, as it was within a single-digit margin for the first 45 minutes of action. The Bucks rode a 31-16 fourth quarter to that double-digit scoreline, as there were 10 ties and 23 lead changes across the first three quarters. The assist-to-turnover ratio was the difference in the game, with Milwaukee recording 27 assists to 10 turnovers while Utah recorded 20 assists to 15 turnovers. The Bucks ended up shooting 47 percent from the field while holding the Jazz to 42 percent shooting.
The Jazz (20-21) were led by Donovan Mitchell, as he amassed 26 points and three rebounds. Rudy Gobert finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two steals. Derrick Favors totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Ricky Rubio left after four minutes due to a hamstring injury but scored nine points.
The Bucks (28-11) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he collected 30 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Malcolm Brogdon accrued 21 points, five rebounds and five assists. Brook Lopez accrued 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocks while Khris Middleton finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Thon Maker led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and two steals.
On deck for Milwaukee is a road matchup versus the Houston Rockets on Wednesday. Utah also returns to action on Wednesday, as they play host to the Orlando Magic.
Lakers Earn Much-Needed Win
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 107-97, at American Airlines Center on Monday evening.
The home team got out to a strong start, with a 33-25 lead after one quarter. The Mavs kept the momentum through the second and pushed their lead to 67-54 by halftime. However, the Lakers turned up the defense in the second half and outscored the Mavericks 32-13 in the third quarter, to take an 86-80 lead by the start of the fourth. The Lakers kept the upper hand in the fourth, as they pushed to a 14-point lead minutes into the quarter and held on for the much-needed win.
Brandon Ingram led the Lakers with 29 points on 12-of-21 shooting, six assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 37 minutes. Lonzo Ball followed up with 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Josh Hart tallied 14 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and five steals. The Lakers shot 44 percent from the field, including 8-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 27 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block, in 34 minutes. Harrison Barnes, Dennis Smith Jr. and J.J. Barea added 11 points each, while DeAndre Jordan tallied 10 points, 19 rebounds, three blocks and two steals. The Mavs shot 42 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from long range.
The Mavericks (18-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Wednesday. The Lakers (22-19) play host to the Pistons on Wednesday.
The home team got out to a strong start, with a 33-25 lead after one quarter. The Mavs kept the momentum through the second and pushed their lead to 67-54 by halftime. However, the Lakers turned up the defense in the second half and outscored the Mavericks 32-13 in the third quarter, to take an 86-80 lead by the start of the fourth. The Lakers kept the upper hand in the fourth, as they pushed to a 14-point lead minutes into the quarter and held on for the much-needed win.
Brandon Ingram led the Lakers with 29 points on 12-of-21 shooting, six assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 37 minutes. Lonzo Ball followed up with 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Josh Hart tallied 14 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and five steals. The Lakers shot 44 percent from the field, including 8-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 27 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block, in 34 minutes. Harrison Barnes, Dennis Smith Jr. and J.J. Barea added 11 points each, while DeAndre Jordan tallied 10 points, 19 rebounds, three blocks and two steals. The Mavs shot 42 percent from the field, including 8-of-30 from long range.
The Mavericks (18-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Wednesday. The Lakers (22-19) play host to the Pistons on Wednesday.
Blazers Pull Away From Knicks, 111-100
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the New York Knicks, 111-100, at Moda Center on Monday.
The Trail Blazers (24-17) allowed the visitors to hang around for the first 24 minutes of the game, as Portland held just a one-point lead at the break. But the home team ultimately started to pull away in the third quarter and held a double-digit lead for majority of the second half. For a change, it was Jusuf Nurkic who led the Blazers in the scoring column Monday, posting 20 points in just 19 minutes to go along with eight rebounds. Portland also got a lot of production from its bench, as the second unit saw three players score in double figure en route to putting up a total of 49 points. That made for an easy workload for the team's starting backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, who each scored 17 points in the contest.
As for the Knicks (10-30), they failed, yet again, to win two straight games, which is something they have managed to do just once this season, and it was in late November. It was a pretty poor shooting night for the team, as New York shot just 40.4 percent from the field. Enes Kanter led the way off the bench with a team-high 18 points and 14 rebounds in 29 minutes, while Emmanuel Mudiay was close behind with 17 points and eight assists of his own. Noah Vonleh posted a double-double as well, scoring 16 points and grabbing 14 rebounds across 29 minutes in what was the Knicks' ninth loss in their last 10 games.
The Trail Blazers (24-17) allowed the visitors to hang around for the first 24 minutes of the game, as Portland held just a one-point lead at the break. But the home team ultimately started to pull away in the third quarter and held a double-digit lead for majority of the second half. For a change, it was Jusuf Nurkic who led the Blazers in the scoring column Monday, posting 20 points in just 19 minutes to go along with eight rebounds. Portland also got a lot of production from its bench, as the second unit saw three players score in double figure en route to putting up a total of 49 points. That made for an easy workload for the team's starting backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, who each scored 17 points in the contest.
As for the Knicks (10-30), they failed, yet again, to win two straight games, which is something they have managed to do just once this season, and it was in late November. It was a pretty poor shooting night for the team, as New York shot just 40.4 percent from the field. Enes Kanter led the way off the bench with a team-high 18 points and 14 rebounds in 29 minutes, while Emmanuel Mudiay was close behind with 17 points and eight assists of his own. Noah Vonleh posted a double-double as well, scoring 16 points and grabbing 14 rebounds across 29 minutes in what was the Knicks' ninth loss in their last 10 games.
Kings Rout Magic, 111-95
By Oscar Heanue
The Sacramento Kings blew out the Orlando Magic, 111-95, at Golden Once Center on Monday evening.
It was a wire-to-wire win for the Kings (20-20), who jumped out to a double-digit lead in the second quarter. Only one Sacramento player logged more than 27 minutes, as the benches were emptied early in Monday's blowout. Interior play was the key for the Kings, as they outscored the Magic (17-23) by a total of 64-24 in the paint. Sacramento shot 55.5 percent on shots inside the arc in the win.
The Kings were led by a brilliant performance from sophomore guard De'Aaron Fox, who scored a team-high 20 points in just 23 minutes on the floor. Fox was also a menace on the defensive end, tallying five steals. It was truly a team effort for Sacramento, though, as 11 players scored and six Kings scored in double digits.
Orlando, meanwhile, saw 20 points from veteran wing Terrence Ross. Ross went 5-of-10 from three-point range while playing just 23 minutes off the bench. Big man Nikola Vucevic also impressed, delivering an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double. Their best efforts were not enough, however, as the Magic shot just 36.8 percent from the floor as a team.
The Kings will travel to Phoenix on Tuesday, while the Magic visit Utah on Wednesday.
It was a wire-to-wire win for the Kings (20-20), who jumped out to a double-digit lead in the second quarter. Only one Sacramento player logged more than 27 minutes, as the benches were emptied early in Monday's blowout. Interior play was the key for the Kings, as they outscored the Magic (17-23) by a total of 64-24 in the paint. Sacramento shot 55.5 percent on shots inside the arc in the win.
The Kings were led by a brilliant performance from sophomore guard De'Aaron Fox, who scored a team-high 20 points in just 23 minutes on the floor. Fox was also a menace on the defensive end, tallying five steals. It was truly a team effort for Sacramento, though, as 11 players scored and six Kings scored in double digits.
Orlando, meanwhile, saw 20 points from veteran wing Terrence Ross. Ross went 5-of-10 from three-point range while playing just 23 minutes off the bench. Big man Nikola Vucevic also impressed, delivering an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double. Their best efforts were not enough, however, as the Magic shot just 36.8 percent from the floor as a team.
The Kings will travel to Phoenix on Tuesday, while the Magic visit Utah on Wednesday.