Kings topple Knicks, 102-94
The Sacramento Kings defeated the New York Knicks, 102-94, at Madison Square Garden on Saturday afternoon.
The Kings (33-32) eventually hit their stride in the East Coast matinee matchup, shrugging off some body clock challenges to forge a 48-46 lead by halftime after a slow start in the first quarter. Sacramento then made it back-to-back dominant periods by outscoring the Knicks (13-53) by a 10-point margin in the third. New York made one last surge and actually owned an 89-87 lead at the 6:06 mark of the fourth quarter, but the visitors finished on a 15-5 run over the final 5:54 to seal the win.
De'Aaron Fox paced the Kings with 30 points, adding eight assists, five rebounds and one steal. Buddy Hield produced 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Nemanja Bjelica furnished a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and two blocks. Harrison Barnes posted 11 points, eight rebounds and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic turned in nine points, four rebounds and three assists, while Willie Cauley-Stein mustered seven points and hauled in 12 rebounds.
Dennis Smith, Jr. led the Knicks with 18 points and supplemented them with five rebounds and five assists. Deandre Jordan generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Lance Thomas and Allonzo Trier pitched in 10 points apiece, with Thomas notably adding seven boards. John Jenkins and Emmanuel Mudiay each poured in nine points.
The Kings remain on the road and next visit the Washington Wizards on Monday night, while the Knicks pay a visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.
The Kings (33-32) eventually hit their stride in the East Coast matinee matchup, shrugging off some body clock challenges to forge a 48-46 lead by halftime after a slow start in the first quarter. Sacramento then made it back-to-back dominant periods by outscoring the Knicks (13-53) by a 10-point margin in the third. New York made one last surge and actually owned an 89-87 lead at the 6:06 mark of the fourth quarter, but the visitors finished on a 15-5 run over the final 5:54 to seal the win.
De'Aaron Fox paced the Kings with 30 points, adding eight assists, five rebounds and one steal. Buddy Hield produced 19 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block. Nemanja Bjelica furnished a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and two blocks. Harrison Barnes posted 11 points, eight rebounds and one steal. Bogdan Bogdanovic turned in nine points, four rebounds and three assists, while Willie Cauley-Stein mustered seven points and hauled in 12 rebounds.
Dennis Smith, Jr. led the Knicks with 18 points and supplemented them with five rebounds and five assists. Deandre Jordan generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included one assist and one block. Lance Thomas and Allonzo Trier pitched in 10 points apiece, with Thomas notably adding seven boards. John Jenkins and Emmanuel Mudiay each poured in nine points.
The Kings remain on the road and next visit the Washington Wizards on Monday night, while the Knicks pay a visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.
Nets Edge Hawks, 114-112
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 114-112, at State Farm Arena on Saturday night.
The Nets (35-33) laid the foundation for the road victory with an impressive first half during which they compiled 56 points. However, the Hawks (22-45) battled all the way back and had a 107-102 lead as late as the 3:12 mark of the fourth quarter, but Brooklyn finished on a 12-5 run and withstood a 29-foot three-point attempt from Vince Carter with 1.2 seconds remaining to steal the road win.
Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 23 points, adding seven assists, six rebounds and block. Jarrett Allen generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one block and one steal. D'Angelo Russell furnished 18 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Rodions Kurucs delivered 16 points, six boards, one assist and one steal. Joe Harris turned in 11 points, five rebounds and two assists. DeMarre Carroll registered 13 points, five rebounds and two steals. Allen Crabbe pitched in 10 points.
John Collins led the Hawks with 33 points and complemented them with 20 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Trae Young managed a 23-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that also included one steal. Alex Len posted 15 points, four rebounds and one block. Taurean Prince finished with 13 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Carter led the bench with 10 points.
The Nets will head back home and take on the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Hawks remain home to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday evening.
The Nets (35-33) laid the foundation for the road victory with an impressive first half during which they compiled 56 points. However, the Hawks (22-45) battled all the way back and had a 107-102 lead as late as the 3:12 mark of the fourth quarter, but Brooklyn finished on a 12-5 run and withstood a 29-foot three-point attempt from Vince Carter with 1.2 seconds remaining to steal the road win.
Spencer Dinwiddie paced the Nets with 23 points, adding seven assists, six rebounds and block. Jarrett Allen generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one block and one steal. D'Angelo Russell furnished 18 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Rodions Kurucs delivered 16 points, six boards, one assist and one steal. Joe Harris turned in 11 points, five rebounds and two assists. DeMarre Carroll registered 13 points, five rebounds and two steals. Allen Crabbe pitched in 10 points.
John Collins led the Hawks with 33 points and complemented them with 20 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Trae Young managed a 23-point, 11-assist, 10-rebound triple-double that also included one steal. Alex Len posted 15 points, four rebounds and one block. Taurean Prince finished with 13 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Carter led the bench with 10 points.
The Nets will head back home and take on the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Hawks remain home to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday evening.
T'Wolves Defeat Wizards in OT, 135-130
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Washington Wizards in overtime, 135-130, at Target Center on Saturday.
While Washington led for the majority of this game, it took an overtime session to determine a winner. In fact, this game stayed within a five-point margin for the final 15 minutes of regulation but Minnesota pulled away thanks to a 14-9 overtime session. Offensive rebounding was huge for Minnesota, as they outrebounded Washington, 19-10. Turnovers were also critical, with Washington committing 18 turnovers while forcing just nine from Minnesota. That allowed the Timberwolves to outscore the Wizards in points off turnovers, 22-10.
The Wizards (27-39) got a near triple-double from Bradley Beal, as he tallied 36 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Trevor Ariza accrued 27 points, three rebounds and four assists. Bobby Portis amassed 21 points and 12 boards while Tomas Satoransky finished with nine points, three rebounds and 11 assists.
The Timberwolves (31-35) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns, as he collected 40 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and two steals before departing because of a knee injury. Dario Saric totaled 13 points, six rebounds and three assists. Derrick Rose was huge off the bench, providing 29 points, three rebounds and three assists. Taj Gibson recorded a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double off the bench as well.
Minnesota will return to action on Sunday, as they play host to the struggling New York Knicks. As for Washington, they welcome the Sacramento Kings to the nation's capital on Monday for their next outing.
While Washington led for the majority of this game, it took an overtime session to determine a winner. In fact, this game stayed within a five-point margin for the final 15 minutes of regulation but Minnesota pulled away thanks to a 14-9 overtime session. Offensive rebounding was huge for Minnesota, as they outrebounded Washington, 19-10. Turnovers were also critical, with Washington committing 18 turnovers while forcing just nine from Minnesota. That allowed the Timberwolves to outscore the Wizards in points off turnovers, 22-10.
The Wizards (27-39) got a near triple-double from Bradley Beal, as he tallied 36 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. Trevor Ariza accrued 27 points, three rebounds and four assists. Bobby Portis amassed 21 points and 12 boards while Tomas Satoransky finished with nine points, three rebounds and 11 assists.
The Timberwolves (31-35) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns, as he collected 40 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and two steals before departing because of a knee injury. Dario Saric totaled 13 points, six rebounds and three assists. Derrick Rose was huge off the bench, providing 29 points, three rebounds and three assists. Taj Gibson recorded a 15-point, 13-rebound double-double off the bench as well.
Minnesota will return to action on Sunday, as they play host to the struggling New York Knicks. As for Washington, they welcome the Sacramento Kings to the nation's capital on Monday for their next outing.
Celtics Defeat Lakers, 120-107
The Boston Celtics defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 120-107, at Staples Center on Saturday.
Boston came into this game as a sizable favorite, as they added to Los Angeles' struggles here. The Celtics did most of their damage in the middle quarters, outscoring the Lakers, 68-52, in the second and third quarters. That allowed Boston to lead by at least five points for the entirety of the second half. Three-point shooting was key, with Boston hitting 14-of-38 while holding Los Angeles to 5-of-27.
The Celtics (41-26) were led by Kyrie Irving, as he accumulated 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Marcus Morris generated 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Marcus Smart amassed 16 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals while Gordon Hayward led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Lakers (30-36) got a triple-double from LeBron James, as he tallied 30 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Moritz Wagner set career-highs with 22 points, six rebounds and three assists. Rajon Rondo accrued four points, six rebounds and nine assists. Johnathan Williams led the bench with 18 points and 10 boards.
Boston returns to action on Monday, when they travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Los Angeles is a road matchup versus the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday
Boston came into this game as a sizable favorite, as they added to Los Angeles' struggles here. The Celtics did most of their damage in the middle quarters, outscoring the Lakers, 68-52, in the second and third quarters. That allowed Boston to lead by at least five points for the entirety of the second half. Three-point shooting was key, with Boston hitting 14-of-38 while holding Los Angeles to 5-of-27.
The Celtics (41-26) were led by Kyrie Irving, as he accumulated 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Marcus Morris generated 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Marcus Smart amassed 16 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals while Gordon Hayward led the bench with 15 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Lakers (30-36) got a triple-double from LeBron James, as he tallied 30 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. Moritz Wagner set career-highs with 22 points, six rebounds and three assists. Rajon Rondo accrued four points, six rebounds and nine assists. Johnathan Williams led the bench with 18 points and 10 boards.
Boston returns to action on Monday, when they travel to face the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Los Angeles is a road matchup versus the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday
Bucks Become First Team To 50 Wins
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 131-114, at Fiserv Forum on Saturday evening.
The Hornets got out to a great start on the road, as they put together a 32-24 lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead to 14 mid way through the second, but the Bucks rallied back to make it a four-point game by halftime. The second half started out well contested, as the score was tied at 73 halfway though the quarter. However, the Bucks closed the quarter by outscoring the Hornets 21-14, to take a seven-point lead into the final frame. They kept pushing to start the fourth and quickly built a double-digit lead. The Bucks held on the rest of the way to become the first team to achieve 50 wins this season. This also marks the second win in a row for Milwaukee.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 26 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and one block, in 29 minutes. Brook Lopez followed up with 25 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Malcolm Brogdon and Nikola Mirotic added 18 points each. The Bucks shot 49 percent from the field, including 17-of-44 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 25 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block, in 31 minutes. Frank Kaminsky followed up with 16 points, four assists and one rebound, in 21 minutes off the bench. Nicolas Batum finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Hornets shot 47 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from deep.
The Hornets (30-36) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston on Monday. The Bucks (50-16) will be right back in action, as they head to San Antonio to take on the Spurs on Sunday.
The Hornets got out to a great start on the road, as they put together a 32-24 lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead to 14 mid way through the second, but the Bucks rallied back to make it a four-point game by halftime. The second half started out well contested, as the score was tied at 73 halfway though the quarter. However, the Bucks closed the quarter by outscoring the Hornets 21-14, to take a seven-point lead into the final frame. They kept pushing to start the fourth and quickly built a double-digit lead. The Bucks held on the rest of the way to become the first team to achieve 50 wins this season. This also marks the second win in a row for Milwaukee.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 26 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and one block, in 29 minutes. Brook Lopez followed up with 25 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Malcolm Brogdon and Nikola Mirotic added 18 points each. The Bucks shot 49 percent from the field, including 17-of-44 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 25 points, four assists, three rebounds and one block, in 31 minutes. Frank Kaminsky followed up with 16 points, four assists and one rebound, in 21 minutes off the bench. Nicolas Batum finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Hornets shot 47 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from deep.
The Hornets (30-36) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston on Monday. The Bucks (50-16) will be right back in action, as they head to San Antonio to take on the Spurs on Sunday.
Trail Blazers Hang On For 40th Win
By Dan Bruno
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 127-120, at Moda Center on Saturday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the Suns leading for most of the first quarter, before the Trail Blazers took a one-point advantage heading into the second. The Trail Blazers went off in the second quarter, outscoring the visitors, 42-24, in the quarter, to take a 66-47 lead by halftime. The Trail Blazers kept their foot on the gas through the third, as they maintained a near 20-point advantage for the entire quarter, and took a 102-77 lead into the final frame. However, the Suns were not done yet, as they made a massive rally through the fourth, outscoring the Blazers 43-25 in the quarter to give them a good scare. Despite the strong push from the Suns, the Trail Blazers managed to hold the advantage and end a two-game losing streak. This marks the end of a three-game winning streak for the Suns.
C.J. McCollum led Portland with 26 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block, in 30 minutes. Seth Curry followed up with 22 points, two rebounds and one steal, in 21 minutes off the bench, while Damian Lillard added 18 points, nine assists and two rebounds. The Trail Blazers shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 23 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 30 minutes. Deandre Ayton followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds and one assist, while Kelly Oubre Jr. added 17 points, seven rebounds, two steals, a block and an assist. The Suns shot 42 percent from the field, including 9-of-27 from deep.
The Suns (15-52) will be right back in action, as they look to bounce back in Golden State on Sunday, where they take on the Warriors. The Trail Blazers (40-26) take on the Clippers in L.A. on Tuesday.
The contest got out to a competitive start, with the Suns leading for most of the first quarter, before the Trail Blazers took a one-point advantage heading into the second. The Trail Blazers went off in the second quarter, outscoring the visitors, 42-24, in the quarter, to take a 66-47 lead by halftime. The Trail Blazers kept their foot on the gas through the third, as they maintained a near 20-point advantage for the entire quarter, and took a 102-77 lead into the final frame. However, the Suns were not done yet, as they made a massive rally through the fourth, outscoring the Blazers 43-25 in the quarter to give them a good scare. Despite the strong push from the Suns, the Trail Blazers managed to hold the advantage and end a two-game losing streak. This marks the end of a three-game winning streak for the Suns.
C.J. McCollum led Portland with 26 points, four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block, in 30 minutes. Seth Curry followed up with 22 points, two rebounds and one steal, in 21 minutes off the bench, while Damian Lillard added 18 points, nine assists and two rebounds. The Trail Blazers shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-29 from long range.
Meanwhile, Devin Booker led the Suns with 23 points, five assists, two rebounds and two steals, in 30 minutes. Deandre Ayton followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds and one assist, while Kelly Oubre Jr. added 17 points, seven rebounds, two steals, a block and an assist. The Suns shot 42 percent from the field, including 9-of-27 from deep.
The Suns (15-52) will be right back in action, as they look to bounce back in Golden State on Sunday, where they take on the Warriors. The Trail Blazers (40-26) take on the Clippers in L.A. on Tuesday.