Pacers Hold On, Defeat Cavaliers
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 123-115, at Quicken Loans Arena on Tuesday.
The Pacers (27-13) were an absolutely dominant team during the first half of this game against the Cavaliers (8-33), as they quickly took control of the game and didn't look back. Indiana won the first quarter by a 38-16 differential, and that 22-point lead practically ended the game after the first 12 minutes. The Pacers would end up losing the remaining three quarters (25-27, 29-36 and 31-36, respectively) but it wasn't enough since Cleveland were never able to come back from such a huge deficit following the first 12 minutes of action.
Thaddeus Young led the offense for the Pacers with 26 points, but he filled the stat sheet since he also added five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic contributed 23 points, and Domantas Sabonis chipped in with 15 points, nine boards, four assists and two steals in a rare start. Victor Oladipo had 17 points, and Cory Joseph delivered 11 points and six assists off the bench.
Alec Burks led the way for the Cavaliers with 19 points while going 7-9 shooting from the field, but he also added seven rebounds to the mix. Cedi Osman and Tristan Thompson both had 15 points, but the Canadian big man did an excellent job on both ends of the court since he also added 13 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Collin Sexton added 14 points.
The Pacers (27-13) were an absolutely dominant team during the first half of this game against the Cavaliers (8-33), as they quickly took control of the game and didn't look back. Indiana won the first quarter by a 38-16 differential, and that 22-point lead practically ended the game after the first 12 minutes. The Pacers would end up losing the remaining three quarters (25-27, 29-36 and 31-36, respectively) but it wasn't enough since Cleveland were never able to come back from such a huge deficit following the first 12 minutes of action.
Thaddeus Young led the offense for the Pacers with 26 points, but he filled the stat sheet since he also added five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic contributed 23 points, and Domantas Sabonis chipped in with 15 points, nine boards, four assists and two steals in a rare start. Victor Oladipo had 17 points, and Cory Joseph delivered 11 points and six assists off the bench.
Alec Burks led the way for the Cavaliers with 19 points while going 7-9 shooting from the field, but he also added seven rebounds to the mix. Cedi Osman and Tristan Thompson both had 15 points, but the Canadian big man did an excellent job on both ends of the court since he also added 13 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Collin Sexton added 14 points.
Sixers Wallop Wizards, 132-115
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Washington Wizards, 132-115, at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday evening.
The Wizards (16-25) came out of the gates ready to do battle against their superior conference opponent, but the 76ers (27-14) bounced back from an early 20-12 deficit to close out the first quarter on a 20-9 run that would set the tone for more dominance to come. Philadelphia went on to outscore Washington by a 36-16 margin in the second quarter to secure a dominating advantage that they wouldn't relinquish. The Wizards shot well (50.7 percent), but the Sixers were just a bit better at 55.7 percent, including 51.5 percent from three-point range. Meanwhile, the home squad won the battle of the boards handily by a 49-34 margin.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 28 points and added three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Jeff Green followed with 15 points, a rebound, an assist and a steal. Sam Dekker led a productive bench effort with 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Otto Porter, Jr. mustered 11 points, while Ian Mahinmi and Chasson Randle generated matched 10-point tallies. Mahinmi notably pulled down seven rebounds and dished out five assists as well.
Landry Shamet led the Sixers with 29 points off the bench, supplementing them with three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Joel Embiid produced a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one block. Jimmy Butler supplied 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Ben Simmons totaled 17 points, nine assists, five boards and three steals. Furkan Korkmaz drew the start for J.J. Redick (back) and managed 16 points.
The two teams meet again on Wednesday night in the Nation's Capital for the second game of the home-and-home set.
The Wizards (16-25) came out of the gates ready to do battle against their superior conference opponent, but the 76ers (27-14) bounced back from an early 20-12 deficit to close out the first quarter on a 20-9 run that would set the tone for more dominance to come. Philadelphia went on to outscore Washington by a 36-16 margin in the second quarter to secure a dominating advantage that they wouldn't relinquish. The Wizards shot well (50.7 percent), but the Sixers were just a bit better at 55.7 percent, including 51.5 percent from three-point range. Meanwhile, the home squad won the battle of the boards handily by a 49-34 margin.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 28 points and added three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Jeff Green followed with 15 points, a rebound, an assist and a steal. Sam Dekker led a productive bench effort with 14 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Otto Porter, Jr. mustered 11 points, while Ian Mahinmi and Chasson Randle generated matched 10-point tallies. Mahinmi notably pulled down seven rebounds and dished out five assists as well.
Landry Shamet led the Sixers with 29 points off the bench, supplementing them with three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Joel Embiid produced a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one block. Jimmy Butler supplied 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Ben Simmons totaled 17 points, nine assists, five boards and three steals. Furkan Korkmaz drew the start for J.J. Redick (back) and managed 16 points.
The two teams meet again on Wednesday night in the Nation's Capital for the second game of the home-and-home set.
Nuggets Hold On, Win Tight Contest Against Heat
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat, 103-99, at American Airlines Arena on Tuesday.
The Nuggets (27-12) and the Heat (20-19) have been two of the hottest teams in the league of late and as expected, this was a thrilling contest that was only decided during the final minutes of the contest. Denver went ahead in the first quarter (24-18), but Miami responded brilliantly during the second quarter and entered halftime leading by three points (52-49) following a 34-25 second-quarter score. But the Nuggets turned things around in the final two quarters and after winning both in the second half (27-24 and 27-23, respectively) they ended clinching a huge win against a tough opponent.
Nikola Jokic started 2019 playing at a very high level and finished this game with a triple-double thanks to 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, as well as a key bucket with less than three seconds left on the clock. Jamal Murray delivered 18 points with six assists, while Paul Millsap contributed 12 points, nine boards and four assists. Trey Lyles chipped in with 15 points coming off the bench.
Miami had a balanced scoring output with seven players scoring over 10 points, but none going past the 15-point mark. Dion Waiters led the way with 15 points off the bench, while both Kelly Olynyk and Bam Adebayo added 13. A trio of starters (Justise Winslow, Hassan Whiteside and Jason Richardson) had 12 points, but Whiteside also added 11 rebounds. Dwyane Wade had 10 points with six assists.
The Nuggets (27-12) and the Heat (20-19) have been two of the hottest teams in the league of late and as expected, this was a thrilling contest that was only decided during the final minutes of the contest. Denver went ahead in the first quarter (24-18), but Miami responded brilliantly during the second quarter and entered halftime leading by three points (52-49) following a 34-25 second-quarter score. But the Nuggets turned things around in the final two quarters and after winning both in the second half (27-24 and 27-23, respectively) they ended clinching a huge win against a tough opponent.
Nikola Jokic started 2019 playing at a very high level and finished this game with a triple-double thanks to 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, as well as a key bucket with less than three seconds left on the clock. Jamal Murray delivered 18 points with six assists, while Paul Millsap contributed 12 points, nine boards and four assists. Trey Lyles chipped in with 15 points coming off the bench.
Miami had a balanced scoring output with seven players scoring over 10 points, but none going past the 15-point mark. Dion Waiters led the way with 15 points off the bench, while both Kelly Olynyk and Bam Adebayo added 13. A trio of starters (Justise Winslow, Hassan Whiteside and Jason Richardson) had 12 points, but Whiteside also added 11 rebounds. Dwyane Wade had 10 points with six assists.
Raptors Edge Hawks, 104-101
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 104-101, at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday evening.
The dominant Raptors (31-12) may have underestimated their opposition Tuesday, as the Hawks (12-28) were able to forge a 31-28 first-quarter lead. The game was mostly a back-and-forth-affair right down to the final buzzer, when Toronto was able to leverage a pair of buckets from O.G. Anunoby and a dunk by Serge Ibaka to come back from a 101-98 deficit with 2:15 remaining. Earlier in the final period, the home squad had blown an 86-81 lead. Ball security was an issue for both clubs, with Atlanta guilty of a whopping 26 turnovers and the Raptors contributing 18 of their own.
John Collins led the way for the Hawks with a 21-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists and one steal. Jeremy Lin posted 20 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Trae Young turned in 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Dewayne Dedmon supplied 12 points and nine boards. DeAndre' Bembry registered 11 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals.
Kawhi Leonard paced the Raptors with 31 points and also compiled six assists, four rebounds, six steals and one block. Kyle Lowry tallied 16 points, six assists, two rebounds, four steals and one block. Anunoby finished with a bench-leading 14 points. Pascal Siakam contributed a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Serge Ibaka matched Siakam's scoring tally and also brought down six rebounds while recording two steals and two blocks.
The Hawks remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, while the Raptors remain home to face the Nets on Friday evening.
The dominant Raptors (31-12) may have underestimated their opposition Tuesday, as the Hawks (12-28) were able to forge a 31-28 first-quarter lead. The game was mostly a back-and-forth-affair right down to the final buzzer, when Toronto was able to leverage a pair of buckets from O.G. Anunoby and a dunk by Serge Ibaka to come back from a 101-98 deficit with 2:15 remaining. Earlier in the final period, the home squad had blown an 86-81 lead. Ball security was an issue for both clubs, with Atlanta guilty of a whopping 26 turnovers and the Raptors contributing 18 of their own.
John Collins led the way for the Hawks with a 21-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists and one steal. Jeremy Lin posted 20 points, nine assists and four rebounds. Trae Young turned in 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Dewayne Dedmon supplied 12 points and nine boards. DeAndre' Bembry registered 11 points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals.
Kawhi Leonard paced the Raptors with 31 points and also compiled six assists, four rebounds, six steals and one block. Kyle Lowry tallied 16 points, six assists, two rebounds, four steals and one block. Anunoby finished with a bench-leading 14 points. Pascal Siakam contributed a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Serge Ibaka matched Siakam's scoring tally and also brought down six rebounds while recording two steals and two blocks.
The Hawks remain on the road and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, while the Raptors remain home to face the Nets on Friday evening.
T'Wolves Defeat Thunder, 119-117
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 119-117, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Tuesday.
There were 13 ties and 18 lead changes in this competitive matchup, as it wasn't decided until the final shot. In fact, Oklahoma City missed their final four shots in the final 30 seconds, as three of them could have either won or tied the game. The assist-to-turnover ratio was the difference for Minnesota, as they recorded 25 assists to 10 turnovers while Oklahoma City picked up 22 assists to 16 turnovers. Free-throw shooting was also critical, with the Timberwolves connecting on 32-of-40 and the Thunder hitting just 19-of-26.
The Timberwolves (20-21) got a season-high 40 points from Andrew Wiggins, as he also provided 10 rebounds and four assists. Karl-Anthony Towns battled foul trouble but still finished with 20 points and nine boards. Jeff Teague was ejected in the third quarter but still tallied eight points, five assists and five steals. Dario Saric led the bench with 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists,
The Thunder (25-15) were led by Paul George, as he totaled 27 points and nine boards. Russell Westbrook collected 25 points, five rebounds, 16 assists and two blocks. Steven Adams accrued 20 points, 12 rebounds and two steals. Nerlens Noel played just five minutes, as he was stretched off after banging his head on the floor early in the first half.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup versus the sizzling San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. As for Minnesota, they play host to the struggling Dallas Mavericks on Friday for their next fixture.
There were 13 ties and 18 lead changes in this competitive matchup, as it wasn't decided until the final shot. In fact, Oklahoma City missed their final four shots in the final 30 seconds, as three of them could have either won or tied the game. The assist-to-turnover ratio was the difference for Minnesota, as they recorded 25 assists to 10 turnovers while Oklahoma City picked up 22 assists to 16 turnovers. Free-throw shooting was also critical, with the Timberwolves connecting on 32-of-40 and the Thunder hitting just 19-of-26.
The Timberwolves (20-21) got a season-high 40 points from Andrew Wiggins, as he also provided 10 rebounds and four assists. Karl-Anthony Towns battled foul trouble but still finished with 20 points and nine boards. Jeff Teague was ejected in the third quarter but still tallied eight points, five assists and five steals. Dario Saric led the bench with 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists,
The Thunder (25-15) were led by Paul George, as he totaled 27 points and nine boards. Russell Westbrook collected 25 points, five rebounds, 16 assists and two blocks. Steven Adams accrued 20 points, 12 rebounds and two steals. Nerlens Noel played just five minutes, as he was stretched off after banging his head on the floor early in the first half.
On deck for Oklahoma City is a road matchup versus the sizzling San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. As for Minnesota, they play host to the struggling Dallas Mavericks on Friday for their next fixture.
Suns Comeback to Defeat Kings, 115-111
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 115-111, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Tuesday.
Sacramento led by 19 points headed into halftime thanks to a 40-18 second quarter but fell apart in the second half. In fact, Phoenix rode a 33-14 third quarter to get back into the game, as they capped it off by scoring the final five points of the game to turn a one-point deficit into a four-point victory. It was competitive aside from those middle quarters though, as there were 18 lead changes in this game. The assist-to-turnover ratio was key, with Phoenix recording 31 assists to 19 turnovers while Sacramento picked up 26 assists to 25 turnovers. That was evident by the fact that the Suns recorded 18 steals and seven blocks. Phoenix also shot 51 percent from the field.
The Kings (20-21) were led by De'Aaron Fox, as he tallied 24 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. Buddy Hield finished with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. Willie Cauley-Stein accrued 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks. Ben McLemore came off the bench to provide 20 points and three boards.
The Suns (10-32) were led by Kelly Oubre Jr. as he accumulated 26 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals off the bench. T.J. Warren led the starters with 21 points and four rebounds. DeAndre Ayton amassed 17 points and 12 boards while Josh Jackson totaled 13 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup versus the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Thursday when they play host to the Detroit Pistons.
Sacramento led by 19 points headed into halftime thanks to a 40-18 second quarter but fell apart in the second half. In fact, Phoenix rode a 33-14 third quarter to get back into the game, as they capped it off by scoring the final five points of the game to turn a one-point deficit into a four-point victory. It was competitive aside from those middle quarters though, as there were 18 lead changes in this game. The assist-to-turnover ratio was key, with Phoenix recording 31 assists to 19 turnovers while Sacramento picked up 26 assists to 25 turnovers. That was evident by the fact that the Suns recorded 18 steals and seven blocks. Phoenix also shot 51 percent from the field.
The Kings (20-21) were led by De'Aaron Fox, as he tallied 24 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. Buddy Hield finished with 16 points, four rebounds and two assists. Willie Cauley-Stein accrued 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks. Ben McLemore came off the bench to provide 20 points and three boards.
The Suns (10-32) were led by Kelly Oubre Jr. as he accumulated 26 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals off the bench. T.J. Warren led the starters with 21 points and four rebounds. DeAndre Ayton amassed 17 points and 12 boards while Josh Jackson totaled 13 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals.
On deck for Phoenix is a road matchup versus the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Thursday when they play host to the Detroit Pistons.
Warriors Blow Out Knicks, 122-95
By Oscar Heanue
The Golden State Warriors demolished the New York Knicks, 122-95, at Oracle Arena on Tuesday.
It was smooth sailing for the Warriors (27-14), who took a double-digit lead late in the second quarter and never looked back. Fueled by their 52 percent shooting, the Warriors cruised to victory thanks to strong star play. Klay Thompson scored a game-high 43 points, including an individual 9-0 run thanks to three consecutive three-pointers. New York (10-31), meanwhile, was held to just 39 percent shooting by a stingy Warriors defense.
Thompson hit seven three-pointers and shot 18-of-29 overall from the field. Kevin Durant added another 24 points for the Warriors, while Steph Curry delivered a 14-point, 14-assist double-double. Curry, though, had one of his worst shooting nights of the season, going just 5-of-19 from the floor. Draymond Green also recorded a double-double, tallying 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
For New York, the starting five contributed only 43 points in the blowout loss. Mario Hezonja tallied a team-high 19 points off the bench, while veteran center Enes Kanter contributed 12 points and 16 rebounds. New York's second unit totaled 52 points in Tuesday's loss.
Golden State will host Chicago on Friday, while the Knicks will host the Indiana Pacers.
It was smooth sailing for the Warriors (27-14), who took a double-digit lead late in the second quarter and never looked back. Fueled by their 52 percent shooting, the Warriors cruised to victory thanks to strong star play. Klay Thompson scored a game-high 43 points, including an individual 9-0 run thanks to three consecutive three-pointers. New York (10-31), meanwhile, was held to just 39 percent shooting by a stingy Warriors defense.
Thompson hit seven three-pointers and shot 18-of-29 overall from the field. Kevin Durant added another 24 points for the Warriors, while Steph Curry delivered a 14-point, 14-assist double-double. Curry, though, had one of his worst shooting nights of the season, going just 5-of-19 from the floor. Draymond Green also recorded a double-double, tallying 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
For New York, the starting five contributed only 43 points in the blowout loss. Mario Hezonja tallied a team-high 19 points off the bench, while veteran center Enes Kanter contributed 12 points and 16 rebounds. New York's second unit totaled 52 points in Tuesday's loss.
Golden State will host Chicago on Friday, while the Knicks will host the Indiana Pacers.
Clippers Crush Hornets, 128-109
By Oscar Heanue
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 128-109, at Staples Center on Tuesday evening.
Los Angeles (24-16) hopped out to an early lead, going up by as much as nine in the first half. While Charlotte (19-21) kept the game close for much of regulation, the Clippers' offense exploded for 42 fourth-quarter points and a double-digit win. LA's dominant bench unit helped lead the charge, as Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell combined to score 50 points in the win. The Clippers finished the night shooting over 51 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range.
In addition to a team-high 27 points, Williams contributed 10 assists in the win. Harrell, the Clippers' breakout big man, added 11 rebounds and five assists. The team also saw an impressive defensive effort from rookie point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who grabbed three steals and blocked four shots in just 21 minutes of play.
Charlotte, meanwhile, relied heavily on its own bench for production. Shots weren't falling for All-Star guard Kemba Walker, who went just 6-of-18 for 13 points. Sophomore Malik Monk picked up some of the slack, though, delivering a team-high 24 points off the bench. Ultimately, however, Charlotte's offense could not match LA's top-notch production, shooting just 40 percent from the field.
The Hornets will visit Portland on Friday, while the Clippers have a trip to Denver on Thursday.
Los Angeles (24-16) hopped out to an early lead, going up by as much as nine in the first half. While Charlotte (19-21) kept the game close for much of regulation, the Clippers' offense exploded for 42 fourth-quarter points and a double-digit win. LA's dominant bench unit helped lead the charge, as Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell combined to score 50 points in the win. The Clippers finished the night shooting over 51 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range.
In addition to a team-high 27 points, Williams contributed 10 assists in the win. Harrell, the Clippers' breakout big man, added 11 rebounds and five assists. The team also saw an impressive defensive effort from rookie point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who grabbed three steals and blocked four shots in just 21 minutes of play.
Charlotte, meanwhile, relied heavily on its own bench for production. Shots weren't falling for All-Star guard Kemba Walker, who went just 6-of-18 for 13 points. Sophomore Malik Monk picked up some of the slack, though, delivering a team-high 24 points off the bench. Ultimately, however, Charlotte's offense could not match LA's top-notch production, shooting just 40 percent from the field.
The Hornets will visit Portland on Friday, while the Clippers have a trip to Denver on Thursday.