Celtics Dominate, Destroy Pace At Home
The Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers, 135-108, at TD Garden on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (25-15) played one of their best games of the season at home against the Pacers (27-14), as they were the better side from tip-off until the final whistle. This was absolutely reflected on the score since the Celtics won every single quarter and managed to look dominant even on garbage time. Boston quickly jumped to a 29-23 lead after the first 12 minutes of action, and they never looked back after that. The remaining three quarters ended 39-30, 37-27 and 30-28 for Boston, showing they were absolutely no match for Indiana. At least for these 48 minutes.
The Celtics had seven players scoring in double digits in this game and there's no doubt Jaylen Brown caught the eye of everyone with his impressive 22-point performance coming off the bench. Marcus Morris also delivered 22 points, while Jayson Tatum chipped in with 20 points and Kyrie Irving had 12 points. Gordon Hayward had 14 points and both Terry Rozier and Daniel Theis had 12 - all three coming off the bench.
Domantas Sabonis once again got the start and looked surprisingly productive since he finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Victor Oladipo chipped in with 17 points, while Thaddeus Young had 10 points and eight rebounds. Kyle O'Quinn looked productive coming off the bench since he finished with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. Tyreke Evans added 15 points.
The Celtics (25-15) played one of their best games of the season at home against the Pacers (27-14), as they were the better side from tip-off until the final whistle. This was absolutely reflected on the score since the Celtics won every single quarter and managed to look dominant even on garbage time. Boston quickly jumped to a 29-23 lead after the first 12 minutes of action, and they never looked back after that. The remaining three quarters ended 39-30, 37-27 and 30-28 for Boston, showing they were absolutely no match for Indiana. At least for these 48 minutes.
The Celtics had seven players scoring in double digits in this game and there's no doubt Jaylen Brown caught the eye of everyone with his impressive 22-point performance coming off the bench. Marcus Morris also delivered 22 points, while Jayson Tatum chipped in with 20 points and Kyrie Irving had 12 points. Gordon Hayward had 14 points and both Terry Rozier and Daniel Theis had 12 - all three coming off the bench.
Domantas Sabonis once again got the start and looked surprisingly productive since he finished with 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Victor Oladipo chipped in with 17 points, while Thaddeus Young had 10 points and eight rebounds. Kyle O'Quinn looked productive coming off the bench since he finished with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists. Tyreke Evans added 15 points.
Wizards Upend 76ers, 123-106
The Washington Wizards defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 123-106, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday night.
The Wizards (17-25) were coming off a significant loss to the 76ers (27-15) just 24 hours earlier, but they opened Wednesday's contest ready to extract some revenge. Washington had forged a 63-48 lead by halftime, and they made sure to keep their foot on the gas in the second half. The home squad shot a stellar 54.0 percent, including 48.1 percent from three-point range. The Wizards also played some impressive defense for a change, forcing 24 turnovers and limiting the Sixers to a 29.6 percent success rate from three-point range.
Joel Embiid was a bright spot for the 76ers, posting a 35-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Jimmy Butler provided 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Furkan Korkmaz furnished 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Ben Simmons supplied 15 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 34 points, supplementing them with five assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Otto Porter, Jr. followed with 23 points, six rebounds and three steals. Trevor Ariza delivered 17 points, five boards, one assist and two steals. Sam Dekker registered 11 points, two boards, an assist and a steal.
The 76ers now head back home to face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, while the Wizards remain home to tangle with the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
The Wizards (17-25) were coming off a significant loss to the 76ers (27-15) just 24 hours earlier, but they opened Wednesday's contest ready to extract some revenge. Washington had forged a 63-48 lead by halftime, and they made sure to keep their foot on the gas in the second half. The home squad shot a stellar 54.0 percent, including 48.1 percent from three-point range. The Wizards also played some impressive defense for a change, forcing 24 turnovers and limiting the Sixers to a 29.6 percent success rate from three-point range.
Joel Embiid was a bright spot for the 76ers, posting a 35-point, 14-rebound double-double that also included two assists, three blocks and one steal. Jimmy Butler provided 23 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. Furkan Korkmaz furnished 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Ben Simmons supplied 15 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals.
Bradley Beal paced the Wizards with 34 points, supplementing them with five assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Otto Porter, Jr. followed with 23 points, six rebounds and three steals. Trevor Ariza delivered 17 points, five boards, one assist and two steals. Sam Dekker registered 11 points, two boards, an assist and a steal.
The 76ers now head back home to face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night, while the Wizards remain home to tangle with the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night.
Nets Rally, Defeat Hawks
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 116-100, at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
The Hawks (12-29) managed to jump ahead in this game and led by an astonishing 15-point margin (38-23) following the first quarter, but that would be everything they do as the Nets (21-22) bounced back and quickly gained control of the contest. Brooklyn trimmed the deficit to just six points by halftime thanks to a 28-19 second quarter, and they would never look back in the second half. They won the remaining two quarters comfortably (35-23 and 30-20, respectively) and ended cruising their way towards a 16-point victory that extended their current run to four wins in their last five games. Meanwhile, Atlanta have now dropped five of their last six games.
Seven Brooklyn players scored in double digits in this game, led by D'Angelo Russell who finished with 23 points, four assists and three rebounds. Joe Harris delivered 16 points, while Jarrett Allen and Rodions Kurucs each chipped in with 11. DeMarre Carroll contributed 17 points off the bench, while Spencer Dinwiddie (16 points, five assists, four rebounds) and Shabazz Napier (11 points) also had good games while coming off the second unit.
The best player for the Hawks was John Collins, who ended with 30 points and 14 rebounds. Trae Young had 17 points with seven assists, but he went 6-15 from the field and only 2-9 from three-point range. Kevin Huerter added 14 points and 10 boards, and Jeremy Lin played very well off the bench: 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
The Hawks (12-29) managed to jump ahead in this game and led by an astonishing 15-point margin (38-23) following the first quarter, but that would be everything they do as the Nets (21-22) bounced back and quickly gained control of the contest. Brooklyn trimmed the deficit to just six points by halftime thanks to a 28-19 second quarter, and they would never look back in the second half. They won the remaining two quarters comfortably (35-23 and 30-20, respectively) and ended cruising their way towards a 16-point victory that extended their current run to four wins in their last five games. Meanwhile, Atlanta have now dropped five of their last six games.
Seven Brooklyn players scored in double digits in this game, led by D'Angelo Russell who finished with 23 points, four assists and three rebounds. Joe Harris delivered 16 points, while Jarrett Allen and Rodions Kurucs each chipped in with 11. DeMarre Carroll contributed 17 points off the bench, while Spencer Dinwiddie (16 points, five assists, four rebounds) and Shabazz Napier (11 points) also had good games while coming off the second unit.
The best player for the Hawks was John Collins, who ended with 30 points and 14 rebounds. Trae Young had 17 points with seven assists, but he went 6-15 from the field and only 2-9 from three-point range. Kevin Huerter added 14 points and 10 boards, and Jeremy Lin played very well off the bench: 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Pelicans Earn Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 140-124, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday evening.
The Cavaliers got out to a great start on the road, as the put together a 38-25 lead through the first quarter. The Pelicans answered in the second, where they outscored the Cavs 34-25, to cut the deficit to just four by halftime. The Pelicans carried the momentum into the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors by 13, to take a nine-point lead into the final frame. The Pelicans stayed in control through the fourth and held on for their third straight win.
Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with 38 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, four blocks and two steals, in 36 minutes. Jrue Holiday followed up with 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Frank Jackson added 19 points, in 19 minutes off the bench. The Pelicans shot 55 percent from the field, including 12-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Cavs with 21 points, four rebounds, three steals, three blocks and two assists, in 29 minutes off the bench. Alec Burks tallied 17 points on 4-of-7 shooting, while Matthew Dellavedova finished with 17 points, seven assists and four rebounds. The Cavaliers shot 48 percent from the field, including 14-of-30 from long range.
The Cavs (8-34) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston on Friday. The Pelicans (20-22) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Saturday.
The Cavaliers got out to a great start on the road, as the put together a 38-25 lead through the first quarter. The Pelicans answered in the second, where they outscored the Cavs 34-25, to cut the deficit to just four by halftime. The Pelicans carried the momentum into the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors by 13, to take a nine-point lead into the final frame. The Pelicans stayed in control through the fourth and held on for their third straight win.
Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with 38 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, four blocks and two steals, in 36 minutes. Jrue Holiday followed up with 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Frank Jackson added 19 points, in 19 minutes off the bench. The Pelicans shot 55 percent from the field, including 12-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson led the Cavs with 21 points, four rebounds, three steals, three blocks and two assists, in 29 minutes off the bench. Alec Burks tallied 17 points on 4-of-7 shooting, while Matthew Dellavedova finished with 17 points, seven assists and four rebounds. The Cavaliers shot 48 percent from the field, including 14-of-30 from long range.
The Cavs (8-34) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston on Friday. The Pelicans (20-22) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Saturday.
Bucks Edge Rockets, 116-109
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Houston Rockets, 116-109, at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
Impressive as their record was coming in, the Bucks (29-11) were still facing a significant challenge in the form of the Rockets (23-17) on their home floor. Accordingly, it was Houston that forged a 61-54 halftime lead. However, Milwaukee proved their mettle as one of the best teams in either conference by outscoring their hosts by a 38-23 margin in the third quarter. The Rockets made one last push in the final minutes, getting as close as 109-106 with 2:37 remaining before the Bucks closed on a 7-3 run. As has often been the case, Milwaukee's defense stood out, limiting red-hot Houston to 37.6 percent shooting while forcing 18 turnovers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 27 points, adding 21 rebounds, five assists and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon followed with 24 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Khris Middleton turned in 15 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Sterling Brown supplied 13 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Eric Bledsoe and Ersan Ilyasova generated matching 10-point tallies, hauling in five and seven rebounds, respectively.
James Harden led the Rockets with 42 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Clint Capela generated an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks. Gerald Green poured in 16 points off the bench. Austin Rivers delivered 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. P.J. Tucker filled out the stat sheet with eight points, eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block.
The Bucks remain on the road and tangle with the Washington Wizards on Friday night, while the Rockets remain home to tangle with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday evening as well.
Impressive as their record was coming in, the Bucks (29-11) were still facing a significant challenge in the form of the Rockets (23-17) on their home floor. Accordingly, it was Houston that forged a 61-54 halftime lead. However, Milwaukee proved their mettle as one of the best teams in either conference by outscoring their hosts by a 38-23 margin in the third quarter. The Rockets made one last push in the final minutes, getting as close as 109-106 with 2:37 remaining before the Bucks closed on a 7-3 run. As has often been the case, Milwaukee's defense stood out, limiting red-hot Houston to 37.6 percent shooting while forcing 18 turnovers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 27 points, adding 21 rebounds, five assists and one steal. Malcolm Brogdon followed with 24 points, five rebounds, three assists and one steal. Khris Middleton turned in 15 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Sterling Brown supplied 13 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Eric Bledsoe and Ersan Ilyasova generated matching 10-point tallies, hauling in five and seven rebounds, respectively.
James Harden led the Rockets with 42 points, supplementing them with 11 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Clint Capela generated an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included one assist and two blocks. Gerald Green poured in 16 points off the bench. Austin Rivers delivered 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. P.J. Tucker filled out the stat sheet with eight points, eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block.
The Bucks remain on the road and tangle with the Washington Wizards on Friday night, while the Rockets remain home to tangle with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday evening as well.
Grizzlies Defeat Spurs, 96-86
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 96-86, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday.
The recent form of these teams would indicate an easy win for San Antonio but Memphis is the one who cruised to victory. In fact, the Grizzlies led for all but a few minutes, as a 42-31 first half really set the tone for this defensive struggle. It was Memphis' defense who was better though, as they forced San Antonio to shoot 36 percent from the field while winning the turnover differential, 13-9. The eight blocks recorded by the Grizzlies was huge as well, as the Spurs picked up just two. Ball movement was also critical for Memphis, as they out-assisted San Antonio, 22-14. In addition, the Grizzlies doubled up the Spurs in points in the paint, 48-24.
The Spurs (24-18) had no player reach 15 points scored, as Bryn Forbes led the starters with 14 points and four rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge went 4-of-12 from the field to total 13 points and seven rebounds while DeMar DeRozan went just 4-of-15 from the field to amass nine points, five rebounds and four assists. Marco Belinelli led the bench with 14 points.
The Grizzlies (19-22) got a vintage performance from Marc Gasol, as he collected 26 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. Mike Conley accrued 15 points, two rebounds and six assists. JaMychal Green was huge off the bench, as he provided 12 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Shelvin Mack also played well off the bench, tallying 10 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
San Antonio will have to play again on Thursday, as they play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder. As for Memphis, they're off until Saturday when they travel to face the Miami Heat.
The recent form of these teams would indicate an easy win for San Antonio but Memphis is the one who cruised to victory. In fact, the Grizzlies led for all but a few minutes, as a 42-31 first half really set the tone for this defensive struggle. It was Memphis' defense who was better though, as they forced San Antonio to shoot 36 percent from the field while winning the turnover differential, 13-9. The eight blocks recorded by the Grizzlies was huge as well, as the Spurs picked up just two. Ball movement was also critical for Memphis, as they out-assisted San Antonio, 22-14. In addition, the Grizzlies doubled up the Spurs in points in the paint, 48-24.
The Spurs (24-18) had no player reach 15 points scored, as Bryn Forbes led the starters with 14 points and four rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge went 4-of-12 from the field to total 13 points and seven rebounds while DeMar DeRozan went just 4-of-15 from the field to amass nine points, five rebounds and four assists. Marco Belinelli led the bench with 14 points.
The Grizzlies (19-22) got a vintage performance from Marc Gasol, as he collected 26 points, 14 rebounds and three assists. Mike Conley accrued 15 points, two rebounds and six assists. JaMychal Green was huge off the bench, as he provided 12 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Shelvin Mack also played well off the bench, tallying 10 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
San Antonio will have to play again on Thursday, as they play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder. As for Memphis, they're off until Saturday when they travel to face the Miami Heat.
Mavericks Defeat Suns, 104-94
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 104-94, at American Airlines Center on Wednesday.
Dallas came into this game as a sizable favorite and this final scoreline shows just why. The Mavericks did most of their damage in the third quarter, outscoring the Suns, 32-19. That allowed Dallas to lead by at least five points for the entirety of the fourth quarter, despite the fact that Phoenix led for the majority of the first half. Free-throw shooting was the difference in the game, with the Mavericks connecting on 32-of-45 while the Suns hit just 15-of-21. Three-point shooting was also big, with Dallas hitting 12-of-34 and the Suns connecting on just 7-of-25. Dallas' starters really put it to Phoenix's starters, outscoring them, 85-53.
The Suns (10-33) were led by T.J. Warren, as he amassed 20 points and seven boards. Josh Jackson was their best player, as he collected 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Richaun Holmes led the bench with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Elie Okobo both reached double figures in scoring off the bench as well.
The Mavericks (19-22) got another spectacular performance from Luka Doncic, as he tallied 30 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Harrison Barnes accumulated 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Wesley Matthews provided 14 points, two rebounds and five assists.
On deck for Dallas is a road matchup versus the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. As for Phoenix, they play host to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday for their next fixture.
Dallas came into this game as a sizable favorite and this final scoreline shows just why. The Mavericks did most of their damage in the third quarter, outscoring the Suns, 32-19. That allowed Dallas to lead by at least five points for the entirety of the fourth quarter, despite the fact that Phoenix led for the majority of the first half. Free-throw shooting was the difference in the game, with the Mavericks connecting on 32-of-45 while the Suns hit just 15-of-21. Three-point shooting was also big, with Dallas hitting 12-of-34 and the Suns connecting on just 7-of-25. Dallas' starters really put it to Phoenix's starters, outscoring them, 85-53.
The Suns (10-33) were led by T.J. Warren, as he amassed 20 points and seven boards. Josh Jackson was their best player, as he collected 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Richaun Holmes led the bench with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Elie Okobo both reached double figures in scoring off the bench as well.
The Mavericks (19-22) got another spectacular performance from Luka Doncic, as he tallied 30 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Harrison Barnes accumulated 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Wesley Matthews provided 14 points, two rebounds and five assists.
On deck for Dallas is a road matchup versus the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. As for Phoenix, they play host to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday for their next fixture.
Jazz Dominate Second Half For Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 106-93, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Magic got out to a great start on the road, with a 32-19 lead after on quarter. They stayed on top through the second, where they outscored the Jazz by four, to take a 63-46 lead into halftime. However, the Jazz turned the tables in the third, outscoring the visitors by 20 in the quarter, to take a three-point lead into the final frame. The Jazz held on to the momentum and kept pushing through the fourth. They outscored the Magic by 10 in the quarter, to secure their ninth home win of the season.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 33 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal, in 37 minutes. Joe Ingles followed up with 16 points, seven assists, two rebounds, a steal and a block, while Rudy Gobert tallied 12 points, 14 rebounds, two assists a steal and a block. The Jazz shot 49 percent from the field, including 12-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, D.J. Augustin led the Magic with 23 points, six assists and three rebounds, in 29 minutes. Aaron Gordon tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Nikola Vucevic finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Magic shot 40 percent from the field, including 13-of-33 from downtown.
The Magic (17-24) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Celtics on Saturday. The Jazz (21-21) play host to the Lakers on Friday.
The Magic got out to a great start on the road, with a 32-19 lead after on quarter. They stayed on top through the second, where they outscored the Jazz by four, to take a 63-46 lead into halftime. However, the Jazz turned the tables in the third, outscoring the visitors by 20 in the quarter, to take a three-point lead into the final frame. The Jazz held on to the momentum and kept pushing through the fourth. They outscored the Magic by 10 in the quarter, to secure their ninth home win of the season.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 33 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal, in 37 minutes. Joe Ingles followed up with 16 points, seven assists, two rebounds, a steal and a block, while Rudy Gobert tallied 12 points, 14 rebounds, two assists a steal and a block. The Jazz shot 49 percent from the field, including 12-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, D.J. Augustin led the Magic with 23 points, six assists and three rebounds, in 29 minutes. Aaron Gordon tallied 18 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, while Nikola Vucevic finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Magic shot 40 percent from the field, including 13-of-33 from downtown.
The Magic (17-24) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Celtics on Saturday. The Jazz (21-21) play host to the Lakers on Friday.
Blazers Hold Off Bulls, 124-112
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Chicago Bulls, 124-112, on Wednesday at Moda Center.
The Trail Blazers (25-17) let the visitors stick around for a half Thursday night, but Portland slowly and steadily pulled away in the final 24 minutes to win by a comfortable margin. It was their second straight victory and their fourth in five games as they continue to maintain good standing in the Western Conference. C.J. McCollum led the way with an efficient scoring night, posting a game-high 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting in 31 minutes, while Jusuf Nurkic continues was very effective in limited minutes once again, posting 18 points and eight rebounds in just 18 minutes. All-Star point guard Damian Lillard added 16 points, while Seth Curry came off the bench to post 17 of his own.
As for the Bulls (10-31), it was their fifth straight loss as they continue their descend back towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. It wasn't a horrible shooting night for Chicago, as the team shot 41 percent from three and 46.2 percent from the field overall, but they were simply unable to put together enough stops on defense to keep pace with Portland. Rookie Wendell Carter Jr. led the way for the Bulls with one of his best offensive games of the season, posting a team-high 22 points to go along with six rebounds, while Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn added 18 and 15 points, respectively. Bobby Portis came off the bench to have a very efficient outing, as the forward recorded 15 points and six rebonds in just 19 minutes as a reserve.
The Trail Blazers (25-17) let the visitors stick around for a half Thursday night, but Portland slowly and steadily pulled away in the final 24 minutes to win by a comfortable margin. It was their second straight victory and their fourth in five games as they continue to maintain good standing in the Western Conference. C.J. McCollum led the way with an efficient scoring night, posting a game-high 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting in 31 minutes, while Jusuf Nurkic continues was very effective in limited minutes once again, posting 18 points and eight rebounds in just 18 minutes. All-Star point guard Damian Lillard added 16 points, while Seth Curry came off the bench to post 17 of his own.
As for the Bulls (10-31), it was their fifth straight loss as they continue their descend back towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. It wasn't a horrible shooting night for Chicago, as the team shot 41 percent from three and 46.2 percent from the field overall, but they were simply unable to put together enough stops on defense to keep pace with Portland. Rookie Wendell Carter Jr. led the way for the Bulls with one of his best offensive games of the season, posting a team-high 22 points to go along with six rebounds, while Zach LaVine and Kris Dunn added 18 and 15 points, respectively. Bobby Portis came off the bench to have a very efficient outing, as the forward recorded 15 points and six rebonds in just 19 minutes as a reserve.
Lakers Take Down Pistons, 113-100
By Oscar Heanue
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 113-100, at Staples Center on Wednesday evening.
It was LA's eighth straight game without LeBron James (groin), but the team fared well without its star on Wednesday. The Lakers (23-19) jumped out to a double-digit lead in the second quarter and never looked back. The team went on a quick 9-0 run near the end of the first half, fueled by five straight points from point guard Lonzo Ball. The Pistons (17-22), meanwhile, continued to struggle with efficiency, shooting just 44 percent overall and 31 from three-point range.
The story of the night was LA's Kyle Kuzma, who tallied a career-high 41 points in just 29 minutes of play. Kuzma was remarkably efficient, shooting 16-of-24 from the field and knocking down five three-pointers. The second-year forward was one of six double-digit scorers for the Lakers. Lonzo Ball, meanwhile, led the team with 11 assists.
Detroit, meanwhile, struggled to produce any offense in the blowout loss. All-Star big man Blake Griffin scored just 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting, while star center Andre Drummond added only six points. In total, Detroit's starting five scored only 58 points and accounted for eight of the team's nine turnovers.
The Pistons will visit Sacramento on Thursday, while the Lakers will take on Utah on Friday.
It was LA's eighth straight game without LeBron James (groin), but the team fared well without its star on Wednesday. The Lakers (23-19) jumped out to a double-digit lead in the second quarter and never looked back. The team went on a quick 9-0 run near the end of the first half, fueled by five straight points from point guard Lonzo Ball. The Pistons (17-22), meanwhile, continued to struggle with efficiency, shooting just 44 percent overall and 31 from three-point range.
The story of the night was LA's Kyle Kuzma, who tallied a career-high 41 points in just 29 minutes of play. Kuzma was remarkably efficient, shooting 16-of-24 from the field and knocking down five three-pointers. The second-year forward was one of six double-digit scorers for the Lakers. Lonzo Ball, meanwhile, led the team with 11 assists.
Detroit, meanwhile, struggled to produce any offense in the blowout loss. All-Star big man Blake Griffin scored just 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting, while star center Andre Drummond added only six points. In total, Detroit's starting five scored only 58 points and accounted for eight of the team's nine turnovers.
The Pistons will visit Sacramento on Thursday, while the Lakers will take on Utah on Friday.