Thunder Defeat Sixers, 117-115, in Last-Second Thriller
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Philadelphia 76ers, 117-115, at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday.
Oklahoma City has miraculously won 18-straight games over Philly heading into this matchup, as this win solidifies their ownership and makes it 19 in a row. It took quite the effort to get them there though, as Paul George capitalized on a four-point play with six seconds left to take the lead and grab the win. While the Thunder led for over 40 minutes of this game, there were still five ties and nine lead changes in total. Philadelphia really killed themselves by not taking care of the ball, as they lost the turnover differential, 17-10. Free-throw shooting was also critical, with the Thunder hitting 23-of-26 and the Sixers connecting on just 28-of-39.
The Thunder (27-18) were led by Paul George, as he tallied 31 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Russell Westbrook accumulated 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Steven Adams totaled 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks while Dennis Schroder led the bench with 21 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Sixers (30-17) were led by Joel Embiid, as he collected 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Ben Simmons accrued 20 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists. J.J. Redick amassed 22 points and two rebounds while Jimmy Butler generated 18 points, three rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Oklahoma City traveling to face the struggling New York Knicks and Philly playing host to the Houston Rockets.
Oklahoma City has miraculously won 18-straight games over Philly heading into this matchup, as this win solidifies their ownership and makes it 19 in a row. It took quite the effort to get them there though, as Paul George capitalized on a four-point play with six seconds left to take the lead and grab the win. While the Thunder led for over 40 minutes of this game, there were still five ties and nine lead changes in total. Philadelphia really killed themselves by not taking care of the ball, as they lost the turnover differential, 17-10. Free-throw shooting was also critical, with the Thunder hitting 23-of-26 and the Sixers connecting on just 28-of-39.
The Thunder (27-18) were led by Paul George, as he tallied 31 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Russell Westbrook accumulated 21 points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Steven Adams totaled 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks while Dennis Schroder led the bench with 21 points, four rebounds and two assists.
The Sixers (30-17) were led by Joel Embiid, as he collected 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Ben Simmons accrued 20 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists. J.J. Redick amassed 22 points and two rebounds while Jimmy Butler generated 18 points, three rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Oklahoma City traveling to face the struggling New York Knicks and Philly playing host to the Houston Rockets.
Hornets Roll Suns, 135-115
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 135-115, at Spectrum Center on Saturday.
This was a dominating effort from the Hornets, as they won this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They did most of their damage in the first and third quarters, outscoring the Suns, 77-52. Charlotte actually led by at least eight points for the final 42 minutes, as they held a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of action. Charlotte's offense was unstoppable, as they connected on 55 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while recording 31 assists. The rebounding differential was decisive too, with the Hornets winning that battle, 53-26.
The Suns (11-36) were led by Devin Booker, as he tallied 32 points, two rebounds and 11 assists. T.J. Warren amassed 16 points, three rebounds and two blocks. Kelly Oubre Jr. was a nice spark off the bench, as he provided 24 points, three rebounds and two blocks. DeAndre Ayton finished with just 10 points and two rebounds.
The Hornets (22-23) were led by Kemba Walker, as he accumulated 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jeremy Lamb amassed 18 points, five rebounds and six assists. Nicolas Batum totaled 15 points, three rebounds and six assists while Bismack Biyombo provided 11 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and five blocks.
Both teams have to play again on Sunday, with Charlotte traveling to face the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix remaining on the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This was a dominating effort from the Hornets, as they won this game in wire-to-wire fashion. They did most of their damage in the first and third quarters, outscoring the Suns, 77-52. Charlotte actually led by at least eight points for the final 42 minutes, as they held a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of action. Charlotte's offense was unstoppable, as they connected on 55 percent from the field and 47 percent from three-point range while recording 31 assists. The rebounding differential was decisive too, with the Hornets winning that battle, 53-26.
The Suns (11-36) were led by Devin Booker, as he tallied 32 points, two rebounds and 11 assists. T.J. Warren amassed 16 points, three rebounds and two blocks. Kelly Oubre Jr. was a nice spark off the bench, as he provided 24 points, three rebounds and two blocks. DeAndre Ayton finished with just 10 points and two rebounds.
The Hornets (22-23) were led by Kemba Walker, as he accumulated 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jeremy Lamb amassed 18 points, five rebounds and six assists. Nicolas Batum totaled 15 points, three rebounds and six assists while Bismack Biyombo provided 11 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and five blocks.
Both teams have to play again on Sunday, with Charlotte traveling to face the Indiana Pacers and Phoenix remaining on the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kings Down Pistons, 103-101
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Detroit Pistons, 103-101, at Little Ceasar's Arena on Saturday.
While Detroit led for the majority of this game, Sacramento was able to prevail with victory. In fact, Sacramento rode a 29-19 fourth quarter to victory, as Buddy Hield hit a game-winning three at the buzzer. The Kings actually ended the game on an 8-2 run. Ball movement was the difference for the Kings, as they out-assisted the Pistons, 30-21. Fastbreak scoring was also huge for Sacramento, as they won the fastbreak scoring differential, 15-7.
The Kings (24-22) were led by Buddy Hield, as he accrued 35 points, nine rebounds and three assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 14 points, six rebounds and 10 assists. Marvin Bagley led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds and two steals. Iman Shumpert amassed seven points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Pistons (20-25) were led by Blake Griffin, as he tallied 36 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Zaza Pachulia started for Andre Drummond, as he totaled seven points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Luke Kennard led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. Bruce Brown Jr. accumulated six points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Detroit is a road matchup versus the Washington Wizards on Monday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Monday when they face the Brooklyn Nets on the road.
While Detroit led for the majority of this game, Sacramento was able to prevail with victory. In fact, Sacramento rode a 29-19 fourth quarter to victory, as Buddy Hield hit a game-winning three at the buzzer. The Kings actually ended the game on an 8-2 run. Ball movement was the difference for the Kings, as they out-assisted the Pistons, 30-21. Fastbreak scoring was also huge for Sacramento, as they won the fastbreak scoring differential, 15-7.
The Kings (24-22) were led by Buddy Hield, as he accrued 35 points, nine rebounds and three assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 14 points, six rebounds and 10 assists. Marvin Bagley led the bench with 14 points, two rebounds and two steals. Iman Shumpert amassed seven points, seven rebounds and five assists.
The Pistons (20-25) were led by Blake Griffin, as he tallied 36 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Zaza Pachulia started for Andre Drummond, as he totaled seven points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Luke Kennard led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds and two assists. Bruce Brown Jr. accumulated six points, 10 rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Detroit is a road matchup versus the Washington Wizards on Monday. As for Sacramento, they return to action on Monday when they face the Brooklyn Nets on the road.
Pacers Hold On At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 111-99, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Saturday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Mavs led for most of the first quarter, before the Pacers pulled ahead by one, to take a 24-23 lead into the second quarter. The Pacers carried the momentum and outscored the visitors by 15 in the second, to take a 58-42 lead into halftime. Things tightened up again in the third, but the Mavs could not do much, as they only cut into the deficit by one point, entering the final frame down by 15. The Mavericks kept chipping away through the fourth and cut the lead to single digits, however the Pacers were able to hold their position and walk away with the home win.
Tyreke Evans led the Pacers with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, and two assists, in 25 minutes off the bench. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 16 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, in 27 minutes off the bench, while Darren Collison tallied 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.
Meanwhile, Harrison Barnes led the Mavericks with 20 points on 6-of-15 shooting, three rebounds and two assists, in 32 minutes. DeAndre Jordan followed up with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Wesley Matthews tallied 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. Luka Doncic finished with eight points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals.
The Mavs (20-25) will look to avoid a fourth straight loss as they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Monday. The Pacers (30-15) play host to the Hornets on Sunday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, as the Mavs led for most of the first quarter, before the Pacers pulled ahead by one, to take a 24-23 lead into the second quarter. The Pacers carried the momentum and outscored the visitors by 15 in the second, to take a 58-42 lead into halftime. Things tightened up again in the third, but the Mavs could not do much, as they only cut into the deficit by one point, entering the final frame down by 15. The Mavericks kept chipping away through the fourth and cut the lead to single digits, however the Pacers were able to hold their position and walk away with the home win.
Tyreke Evans led the Pacers with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting, and two assists, in 25 minutes off the bench. Domantas Sabonis followed up with 16 points, 11 rebounds and two assists, in 27 minutes off the bench, while Darren Collison tallied 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block.
Meanwhile, Harrison Barnes led the Mavericks with 20 points on 6-of-15 shooting, three rebounds and two assists, in 32 minutes. DeAndre Jordan followed up with 15 points and 16 rebounds, while Wesley Matthews tallied 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. Luka Doncic finished with eight points, five rebounds, six assists and three steals.
The Mavs (20-25) will look to avoid a fourth straight loss as they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Monday. The Pacers (30-15) play host to the Hornets on Sunday.
Bucks Down Hosting Magic
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Orlando Magic, 118-108, at Amway Center on Saturday evening.
The Bucks got out to a great start on the road with a 33-24 lead after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second, where they outscored the Magic by four, to push their lead to 59-46 by halftime. The Magic came alive in the third quarter and managed to cut the deficit to five points, heading into the fourth. However, the Bucks managed to keep the upper hand and hung on for their fourth straight win.
Eric Bledsoe led the Bucks with 30 points on 12-of-14 shooting, seven rebounds and two assists, in 30 minutes. Giannis Antetokounmpo followed up with 25 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Malcolm Brogdon tallied 18 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. The Bucks shot 55 percent from the field, including 12-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 27 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 29 minutes. Terrence Ross followed up with 16 points, two assists, two steals and one rebound, in 29 minutes off the bench, while D.J. Augustin tallied 14 points, seven assists and two rebounds. The Magic shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-32 from long range.
The Magic (19-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Monday. The Bucks (33-12) play host to the Mavericks on Monday.
The Bucks got out to a great start on the road with a 33-24 lead after one quarter. They kept the upper hand through the second, where they outscored the Magic by four, to push their lead to 59-46 by halftime. The Magic came alive in the third quarter and managed to cut the deficit to five points, heading into the fourth. However, the Bucks managed to keep the upper hand and hung on for their fourth straight win.
Eric Bledsoe led the Bucks with 30 points on 12-of-14 shooting, seven rebounds and two assists, in 30 minutes. Giannis Antetokounmpo followed up with 25 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and two steals, while Malcolm Brogdon tallied 18 points, two rebounds, one assist and one steal. The Bucks shot 55 percent from the field, including 12-of-30 from long range.
Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic led the Magic with 27 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks, in 29 minutes. Terrence Ross followed up with 16 points, two assists, two steals and one rebound, in 29 minutes off the bench, while D.J. Augustin tallied 14 points, seven assists and two rebounds. The Magic shot 47 percent from the field, including 14-of-32 from long range.
The Magic (19-27) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hawks in Atlanta on Monday. The Bucks (33-12) play host to the Mavericks on Monday.
Celtics Best Hawks, 113-105
The Boston Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 113-105, at State Farm Arena on Saturday night.
The Celtics (28-18) have struggled on the road all season, and they got off to a typically lackluster start versus the Hawks (14-31) on Saturday as well. Down 36-28 after one quarter, Boston battled back to cut their deficit to seven by halftime. After chipping another point off Atlanta's lead in the third, the visitors went on to outscore their hosts by a 30-16 margin in the final period to secure the road win.
Kyrie Irving paced the Celtics with 32 points, adding five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jayson Tatum turned in 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, three blocks and one steal. Jaylen Brown followed with a bench-leading 14 points, supplementing that total with four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Al Horford delivered 13 points, nine boards and two blocks. Terry Rozier managed nine points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block in 29 minutes off the bench. Marcus Morris generated eight points on 3-for-10 shooting. He added seven boards, one assist, one steal and one block.
Kyle Huerter led the Hawks with 18 points and also offered seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. Tre Young contributed 16 points, seven assists, one rebound and one steal. John Collins and Alex Len pitched in matching 15-point tallies while hauling in 11 and six rebounds, respectively. DeAndre' Bembry registered 10 points, five rebounds and one assist.
The Celtics head back home and taken on the Miami Heat on Monday evening, while the Hawks remain home and face the Orlando Magic on Monday afternoon.
The Celtics (28-18) have struggled on the road all season, and they got off to a typically lackluster start versus the Hawks (14-31) on Saturday as well. Down 36-28 after one quarter, Boston battled back to cut their deficit to seven by halftime. After chipping another point off Atlanta's lead in the third, the visitors went on to outscore their hosts by a 30-16 margin in the final period to secure the road win.
Kyrie Irving paced the Celtics with 32 points, adding five assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jayson Tatum turned in 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, three blocks and one steal. Jaylen Brown followed with a bench-leading 14 points, supplementing that total with four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Al Horford delivered 13 points, nine boards and two blocks. Terry Rozier managed nine points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block in 29 minutes off the bench. Marcus Morris generated eight points on 3-for-10 shooting. He added seven boards, one assist, one steal and one block.
Kyle Huerter led the Hawks with 18 points and also offered seven assists, four rebounds and three steals. Tre Young contributed 16 points, seven assists, one rebound and one steal. John Collins and Alex Len pitched in matching 15-point tallies while hauling in 11 and six rebounds, respectively. DeAndre' Bembry registered 10 points, five rebounds and one assist.
The Celtics head back home and taken on the Miami Heat on Monday evening, while the Hawks remain home and face the Orlando Magic on Monday afternoon.
Raptors Use Huge Third Quarter To Sink Grizzlies
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 119-90, at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday evening.
The Raptors got out to a good start at home, holding the advantage through most of the first quarter, before taking a 23-19 lead into the second. They maintained an edge through the second, although the Grizzlies kept it close, so as to trail 55-48 at halftime. However, the Raptors blew the game open in the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors 45-14, to take a 38-point lead into the final frame. The Grizzlies put up a fight in the fourth, but nothing near enough to give the home team a scare, as the Raptors cruised to their second consecutive win. This marks the fifth straight loss for Memphis.
Danny Green led the Raptors with 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including eight three-pointers, along with seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block, in just 22 minutes. Serge Ibaka followed up with 18 points, five rebounds and one block, while Pascal Siakam added 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal. The Raptors shot 48 percent from the field, including 17-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 16 points, nine rebounds and one assist, in 28 minutes. Ivan Rabb tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds, one assist and one block, in 21 minutes off the bench, while Shelvin Mack added 14 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal, in 26 minutes off the bench.
The Grizzlies (19-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Monday. The Raptors (35-13) play host to the Kings on Tuesday.
The Raptors got out to a good start at home, holding the advantage through most of the first quarter, before taking a 23-19 lead into the second. They maintained an edge through the second, although the Grizzlies kept it close, so as to trail 55-48 at halftime. However, the Raptors blew the game open in the third quarter, where they outscored the visitors 45-14, to take a 38-point lead into the final frame. The Grizzlies put up a fight in the fourth, but nothing near enough to give the home team a scare, as the Raptors cruised to their second consecutive win. This marks the fifth straight loss for Memphis.
Danny Green led the Raptors with 24 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including eight three-pointers, along with seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block, in just 22 minutes. Serge Ibaka followed up with 18 points, five rebounds and one block, while Pascal Siakam added 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one steal. The Raptors shot 48 percent from the field, including 17-of-36 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 16 points, nine rebounds and one assist, in 28 minutes. Ivan Rabb tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds, one assist and one block, in 21 minutes off the bench, while Shelvin Mack added 14 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal, in 26 minutes off the bench.
The Grizzlies (19-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Monday. The Raptors (35-13) play host to the Kings on Tuesday.
Heat Topples Bulls, 117-103
The Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls, 117-103, at United Center on Saturday evening.
The Heat (22-22) walked into a hornet's nest despite the Bulls' unsightly 10-36 record, as Chicago came out ready to defend home court. Miami faced a slim 57-55 halftime deficit, but they came out of intermission ready to take control. The visitors outscored their hosts by a 62-46 in the second half to eventually secure the double-digit victory, The Heat shot an outstanding 57.0 percent, and the Miami second unit scored 64 of the team's points.
Josh Richardson returned from a one-game absence due to an illness to lead the way with 26 points. He added three rebounds and two assists. Dion Waiters tallied 21 points, six boards and two assists. Tyler Johnson and Dwyane Wade managed matching 14-point efforts. Wade added 10 rebounds and seven assists. Justise Winslow supplied 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. James Johnson generated 10 points, three boards, two assists and one steal. Hassan Whiteside offered six points but hauled in 10 rebounds, dished out three assists and recorded three blocks.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 22 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Bobby Portis followed with 21 points and also posted six boards, two assists and one steal. Lauri Markkanen followed with 20 points, nine rebounds, two steals and one block. Jabari Parker delivered 11 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Heat remain on the road and face the Boston Celtics on Monday evening, while the Bulls pay a visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday afternoon.
The Heat (22-22) walked into a hornet's nest despite the Bulls' unsightly 10-36 record, as Chicago came out ready to defend home court. Miami faced a slim 57-55 halftime deficit, but they came out of intermission ready to take control. The visitors outscored their hosts by a 62-46 in the second half to eventually secure the double-digit victory, The Heat shot an outstanding 57.0 percent, and the Miami second unit scored 64 of the team's points.
Josh Richardson returned from a one-game absence due to an illness to lead the way with 26 points. He added three rebounds and two assists. Dion Waiters tallied 21 points, six boards and two assists. Tyler Johnson and Dwyane Wade managed matching 14-point efforts. Wade added 10 rebounds and seven assists. Justise Winslow supplied 11 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal. James Johnson generated 10 points, three boards, two assists and one steal. Hassan Whiteside offered six points but hauled in 10 rebounds, dished out three assists and recorded three blocks.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 22 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Bobby Portis followed with 21 points and also posted six boards, two assists and one steal. Lauri Markkanen followed with 20 points, nine rebounds, two steals and one block. Jabari Parker delivered 11 points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Heat remain on the road and face the Boston Celtics on Monday evening, while the Bulls pay a visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday afternoon.
Rockets Survive Lakers In OT
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 138-134, in overtime, at Toyota Center on Saturday evening.
The Lakers got out to a great start on the road, with a 39-26 lead after on quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second, and pushed their lead to 64-46 by halftime. However, the Rockets were not done yet, as they came out on fire in the third, and outscored the visitors by 14 points, to trim the deficit to four points by the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Lakers managed to stay ahead through the fourth quarter and led by eight with 2:45 remaining. However, the Rockets used a 17-8 run, capped off by a last-second three by Eric Gordon, to send the game to overtime, tied at 120. The Rockets took the first lead in OT and managed to stay a step ahead the rest of the way, as they held on for a huge home win.
James Harden led the way for Houston with 48 points on 14-of-30 shooting, eight rebounds, six assists, four steals and one block, in 42 minutes. Eric Gordon followed up with 30 points, five rebounds and four assists, while James Ennis III added 18 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block. The Rockets shot 42 percent from the field, including 25-of-68 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers with 32 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 43 minutes. Brandon Ingram followed up with 21 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Lance Stephenson chipped in 16 points, four assists and two rebounds. The Lakers shot 52 percent from the field, including 10-of-37 from long range.
The Lakers (25-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Monday. The Rockets (26-19) take on the 76ers in Philadelphia on Monday.
The Lakers got out to a great start on the road, with a 39-26 lead after on quarter. They kept the pressure on in the second, and pushed their lead to 64-46 by halftime. However, the Rockets were not done yet, as they came out on fire in the third, and outscored the visitors by 14 points, to trim the deficit to four points by the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Lakers managed to stay ahead through the fourth quarter and led by eight with 2:45 remaining. However, the Rockets used a 17-8 run, capped off by a last-second three by Eric Gordon, to send the game to overtime, tied at 120. The Rockets took the first lead in OT and managed to stay a step ahead the rest of the way, as they held on for a huge home win.
James Harden led the way for Houston with 48 points on 14-of-30 shooting, eight rebounds, six assists, four steals and one block, in 42 minutes. Eric Gordon followed up with 30 points, five rebounds and four assists, while James Ennis III added 18 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block. The Rockets shot 42 percent from the field, including 25-of-68 from long range.
Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers with 32 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 43 minutes. Brandon Ingram followed up with 21 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Lance Stephenson chipped in 16 points, four assists and two rebounds. The Lakers shot 52 percent from the field, including 10-of-37 from long range.
The Lakers (25-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Monday. The Rockets (26-19) take on the 76ers in Philadelphia on Monday.
Nuggets Dominate Cavaliers, 124-102
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 124-102, at Pepsi Center on Saturday night.
The Nuggets (31-14) came out of the gates like the dominant home squad they've often proven to be, building a 37-25 first-quarter lead that they'd expanded to an insurmountable 70-46 by halftime. Denver then coasted through the second half to seal the dominant win over the Cavaliers (9-38). The home squad shot an impressive 56.2 percent, and they enjoyed a 43-28 rebounding advantage.
Ante Zizic led the way for the Cavaliers with 23 points, adding six rebounds. Rodney Hood poured in 18 points and also provided three assists and two steals. Cedi Osman supplied 17 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Jordan Clarkson generated 13 points, four rebounds and an assist. Collin Sexton managed 10 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Jamal Murray paced the Nuggets with 26 points and supplemented them with five assists and two rebounds. Trey Lyles followed with a bench-leading 16 points and also turned in six boards, four assists and one steal. Monte Morris contributed 15 points. Paul Millsap delivered 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. Malik Beasley totaled 13 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Cavaliers remain home and take on the Chicago Bulls on Monday afternoon, while the Nuggets hit the road and take on the Utah Jazz on Wednesday evening.
The Nuggets (31-14) came out of the gates like the dominant home squad they've often proven to be, building a 37-25 first-quarter lead that they'd expanded to an insurmountable 70-46 by halftime. Denver then coasted through the second half to seal the dominant win over the Cavaliers (9-38). The home squad shot an impressive 56.2 percent, and they enjoyed a 43-28 rebounding advantage.
Ante Zizic led the way for the Cavaliers with 23 points, adding six rebounds. Rodney Hood poured in 18 points and also provided three assists and two steals. Cedi Osman supplied 17 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Jordan Clarkson generated 13 points, four rebounds and an assist. Collin Sexton managed 10 points, seven assists, four rebounds and one steal.
Jamal Murray paced the Nuggets with 26 points and supplemented them with five assists and two rebounds. Trey Lyles followed with a bench-leading 16 points and also turned in six boards, four assists and one steal. Monte Morris contributed 15 points. Paul Millsap delivered 14 points, five rebounds, one assist and two steals. Malik Beasley totaled 13 points, four rebounds and one assist.
The Cavaliers remain home and take on the Chicago Bulls on Monday afternoon, while the Nuggets hit the road and take on the Utah Jazz on Wednesday evening.