Cavaliers Best Bucks, 107-102
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 107-102, at Quicken Loans Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Cavaliers (19-53) caught a break before the game even tipped off, as the Bucks (53-19) announced that Nikola Mirotic would miss the next several weeks with a thumb injury he'd suffered Tuesday against the Lakers, and that Giannis Antetokounmpo would sit a second straight game due to his ankle sprain. Cleveland took advantage of the short-handed visitors early, jumping out to a 30-24 first-quarter lead that they'd extended to 58-47 by halftime. Milwaukee did make a game of it in the third by wiping out all but one point of their deficit, but the home squad was able close out the win in the final minute on a pair of Jordan Clarkson free throws.
Khris Middleton led the way for the Bucks with a 26-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist, one steal and one block. Eric Bledsoe followed with 24 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Brook Lopez checked in with 19 points, four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Patrick Connaughton supplied 11 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Tony Snell and Ersan Ilyasova contributed matching eight-point tallies while also pulling down eight and seven rebounds, respectively.
Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 25 points, three assists and two rebounds. Clarkson poured in 23 points and added five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Brandon Knight totaled 13 points, four assists and two rebounds. Cedi Osman and Ante Zizic generated matching eight-point tallies, with the latter also notably bringing down 10 rebounds. Kevin Love pitched in six points and 10 rebounds over 18 minutes.
The Bucks head back home to tangle with the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Cavaliers remain home and face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday evening as well.
The Cavaliers (19-53) caught a break before the game even tipped off, as the Bucks (53-19) announced that Nikola Mirotic would miss the next several weeks with a thumb injury he'd suffered Tuesday against the Lakers, and that Giannis Antetokounmpo would sit a second straight game due to his ankle sprain. Cleveland took advantage of the short-handed visitors early, jumping out to a 30-24 first-quarter lead that they'd extended to 58-47 by halftime. Milwaukee did make a game of it in the third by wiping out all but one point of their deficit, but the home squad was able close out the win in the final minute on a pair of Jordan Clarkson free throws.
Khris Middleton led the way for the Bucks with a 26-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included one assist, one steal and one block. Eric Bledsoe followed with 24 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Brook Lopez checked in with 19 points, four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal. Patrick Connaughton supplied 11 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Tony Snell and Ersan Ilyasova contributed matching eight-point tallies while also pulling down eight and seven rebounds, respectively.
Collin Sexton paced the Cavaliers with 25 points, three assists and two rebounds. Clarkson poured in 23 points and added five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Brandon Knight totaled 13 points, four assists and two rebounds. Cedi Osman and Ante Zizic generated matching eight-point tallies, with the latter also notably bringing down 10 rebounds. Kevin Love pitched in six points and 10 rebounds over 18 minutes.
The Bucks head back home to tangle with the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Cavaliers remain home and face the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday evening as well.
Magic Roll Pelicans, 119-96
The Orlando Magic defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 119-96, at Amway Center on Wednesday.
It's rare to see a game essentially over at the half but that was the case here. In fact, Orlando led by 14 points after the first quarter, by 22 at the half and by 31 points heading into the fourth quarter. That's domination at its finest, as Orlando won this game in wire-to-wire fashion. The Magic's defense was the difference in the game, as they held the Pelicans to 37 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range while outrebounding them, 65-49. Orlando also out-blocked the Pelicans, 10-2.
The Pelicans (31-43) were led by Stanley Johnson, as he provided 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench. Ian Clark tallied 17 points, five rebounds and four assists off the bench as well. Frank Jackson was the only starter in double figures, as he amassed 14 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Magic (34-38) were led by Evan Fournier, as he tallied 22 points, five rebounds and three assists. Aaron Gordon finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Nikola Vucevic collected 15 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Terrence Ross led the bench with 19 points and three boards.
On deck for Orlando is a home matchup versus the Memphis Grizzles on Friday. As for New Orleans, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Houston Rockets.
It's rare to see a game essentially over at the half but that was the case here. In fact, Orlando led by 14 points after the first quarter, by 22 at the half and by 31 points heading into the fourth quarter. That's domination at its finest, as Orlando won this game in wire-to-wire fashion. The Magic's defense was the difference in the game, as they held the Pelicans to 37 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point range while outrebounding them, 65-49. Orlando also out-blocked the Pelicans, 10-2.
The Pelicans (31-43) were led by Stanley Johnson, as he provided 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals off the bench. Ian Clark tallied 17 points, five rebounds and four assists off the bench as well. Frank Jackson was the only starter in double figures, as he amassed 14 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Magic (34-38) were led by Evan Fournier, as he tallied 22 points, five rebounds and three assists. Aaron Gordon finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Nikola Vucevic collected 15 points, 17 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Terrence Ross led the bench with 19 points and three boards.
On deck for Orlando is a home matchup versus the Memphis Grizzles on Friday. As for New Orleans, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Houston Rockets.
Sixers Rally For Sixth Consecutive Win
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 118-115, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday evening.
The Celtics got out to a good start at home, with a 39-30 lead after one quarter. They stayed in control and pushed their lead to 15, mid way through the second, before they settled on an 11-point lead by halftime. The 76ers came out stronger in the third and managed to tie the score at 82, with four minutes left in the quarter. However, the Celtics rallied to take a five-point lead by the end of the quarter. They quickly pushed their lead to nine, early in the fourth, but the Sixers kept fighting and overtook the lead, 109-07, with three minutes to go. The Celtics were scrambling and managed to tie it up one more time, nonetheless, they could not claim and advantage, as the 76ers came up clutch down the stretch, to earn their sixth straight win.
Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 37 points, 22 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 41 minutes. Jimmy Butler followed up with 22 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Tobias Harris tallied 21 points, eight rebounds and three assists. The 76ers shot 38 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving led the Celtics with 36 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Al Horford added 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Terry Rozier chipped in 20 points, six rebounds and one assist, off the bench. The Celtics shot 47 percent from the field, including 12-of-32 from long range.
The Celtics (43-29) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Saturday. The 76ers (47-25) take on the Hawks in Atlanta, on Saturday.
The Celtics got out to a good start at home, with a 39-30 lead after one quarter. They stayed in control and pushed their lead to 15, mid way through the second, before they settled on an 11-point lead by halftime. The 76ers came out stronger in the third and managed to tie the score at 82, with four minutes left in the quarter. However, the Celtics rallied to take a five-point lead by the end of the quarter. They quickly pushed their lead to nine, early in the fourth, but the Sixers kept fighting and overtook the lead, 109-07, with three minutes to go. The Celtics were scrambling and managed to tie it up one more time, nonetheless, they could not claim and advantage, as the 76ers came up clutch down the stretch, to earn their sixth straight win.
Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 37 points, 22 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 41 minutes. Jimmy Butler followed up with 22 points, four rebounds, and two assists, while Tobias Harris tallied 21 points, eight rebounds and three assists. The 76ers shot 38 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving led the Celtics with 36 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a block, in 35 minutes. Al Horford added 22 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Terry Rozier chipped in 20 points, six rebounds and one assist, off the bench. The Celtics shot 47 percent from the field, including 12-of-32 from long range.
The Celtics (43-29) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Saturday. The 76ers (47-25) take on the Hawks in Atlanta, on Saturday.
Jazz Obliterate Knicks, 137-116
The Utah Jazz defeated the host New York Knicks, 137-116, at Madison Square Garden on Wedneday.
It's rare to see a home team dominated so thoroughly but that was the case here for the Knicks. In fact, the Jazz led by 14 points after the first quarter and carried a 27-point lead into the half. That allowed Utah to lead by at least 20 points for the entirety of the second half. The Jazz had one of their best offensive games of the season, as they shot 57 percent fron the field and 48 percent from three-point range. Ball movement played a huge factor in that, with Utah out-assiting New York, 38-23. The Jazz also went 21-of-25 from the free-throw line while the Knicks connected on just 13-of-21.
The Jazz (42-29) were led by Donovan Mitchell, as he tallied 30 points, three rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert went 7-of-7 from the field to finish with 18 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Joe Ingles accrued 18 points, five rebounds and seven assists while Ricky Rubio collected 12 points, three rebounds and nine assusts. Jae Crowder led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds and two steals.
The Knicks (14-58) were led by Kevin Knox, as he amassed 27 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Mario Hezonja got a start and totaled 23 points and two boards. Damyean Doston finished with 21 points and three assists. Mitchell Robinson led the bench with 14 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.
Utah will have to play again on Thursday, as they travel to face the Atlanta Hawks. As for New York, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Denver Nuggets.
It's rare to see a home team dominated so thoroughly but that was the case here for the Knicks. In fact, the Jazz led by 14 points after the first quarter and carried a 27-point lead into the half. That allowed Utah to lead by at least 20 points for the entirety of the second half. The Jazz had one of their best offensive games of the season, as they shot 57 percent fron the field and 48 percent from three-point range. Ball movement played a huge factor in that, with Utah out-assiting New York, 38-23. The Jazz also went 21-of-25 from the free-throw line while the Knicks connected on just 13-of-21.
The Jazz (42-29) were led by Donovan Mitchell, as he tallied 30 points, three rebounds and five assists. Rudy Gobert went 7-of-7 from the field to finish with 18 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Joe Ingles accrued 18 points, five rebounds and seven assists while Ricky Rubio collected 12 points, three rebounds and nine assusts. Jae Crowder led the bench with 15 points, three rebounds and two steals.
The Knicks (14-58) were led by Kevin Knox, as he amassed 27 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Mario Hezonja got a start and totaled 23 points and two boards. Damyean Doston finished with 21 points and three assists. Mitchell Robinson led the bench with 14 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks.
Utah will have to play again on Thursday, as they travel to face the Atlanta Hawks. As for New York, they're off until Friday when they play host to the Denver Nuggets.
Bulls Get Past Wizards in OT, 126-120
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Washington Wizards, 126-120, in overtime at United Center on Wednesday night.
The Bulls (21-52) got off to a quick start by forging a 35-28 first-quarter lead, but the game was knotted at 60 by intermission. Fittingly, the game continued as a see-saw affair throughout the second half, and Bradley Beal sent the contest into overtime with a jumper at the 2.4-second mark of the fourth period. However, Chicago opened the extra period on a 5-0 run and eventually outscored Washington by a 13-7 margin for the victory.
Jabari Parker led the way for the Wizards with 28 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Beal delivered 27 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks. Tomas Satoransky managed 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. Bobby Portis posted 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jeff Green provided 10 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Trevor Ariza managed six points, two rebounds and two assists across 14 minutes before exiting with a groin injury.
Lauri Markkanen paced the Bulls with 32 points, complementing them with 13 rebounds, five assists and one block. Kris Dunn turned in a 26-point, 13-assist double-double that also included six rebounds and two steals. Shaquille Harrison registered 18 points, six rebounds and four steals. Cristiano Felicio totaled 15 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot contributed 13 points, four boards, three assists and two steals.
The Wizards head back home to face the Denver Nuggets on Thursday evening, while the Bulls remain home and take on the Utah Jazz at Saturday night.
The Bulls (21-52) got off to a quick start by forging a 35-28 first-quarter lead, but the game was knotted at 60 by intermission. Fittingly, the game continued as a see-saw affair throughout the second half, and Bradley Beal sent the contest into overtime with a jumper at the 2.4-second mark of the fourth period. However, Chicago opened the extra period on a 5-0 run and eventually outscored Washington by a 13-7 margin for the victory.
Jabari Parker led the way for the Wizards with 28 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Beal delivered 27 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals and two blocks. Tomas Satoransky managed 16 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals. Bobby Portis posted 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jeff Green provided 10 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Trevor Ariza managed six points, two rebounds and two assists across 14 minutes before exiting with a groin injury.
Lauri Markkanen paced the Bulls with 32 points, complementing them with 13 rebounds, five assists and one block. Kris Dunn turned in a 26-point, 13-assist double-double that also included six rebounds and two steals. Shaquille Harrison registered 18 points, six rebounds and four steals. Cristiano Felicio totaled 15 points, six rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot contributed 13 points, four boards, three assists and two steals.
The Wizards head back home to face the Denver Nuggets on Thursday evening, while the Bulls remain home and take on the Utah Jazz at Saturday night.
Grizzlies Pull Off Wild Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Houston Rockets, 126-125, in overtime, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
The Grizzlies got out to a great start at home, as they burst out of the gates to outscore the visitors, 38-25, in the first quarter. They kept the pressure on and pushed their lead to 18, five minutes into the second quarter, but the Rockets woke up a bit and managed to make it a 10-point game by halftime. The Grizzlies came out strong again in the third quarter and ran away with a double-digit lead, and a 19-point lead heading into the final frame. However, the Rockets were not finished, as they mounted a ridiculous rally through the fourth, outscoring the Grizzlies by 19, capped off by three free throws from James Harden to send the game to overtime. The Grizzlies got a good start in extra time and by five with 29 seconds to go, until James Harden struck with a five quick points to tie it up with 15 seconds on the clock. The Grizzlies were saved by Jonas Valanciunas, who was fouled on a put back attempt and sunk 1-of-2 free throws, for the win with 0.1 seconds on the clock.
Valanciunas had a huge night with 33 points, 15 rebounds and one assist, in 36 minutes. Mike Conley led the team with 35 points, eight assists and five rebounds, in 42 minutes, while Bruno Caboclo was efficient with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, seven assists and three rebounds, in 41 minutes.
Meanwhile, James Harden led the Rockets with 57 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks, in 46 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 18 points, seven points, seven rebounds and a steal.
The Rockets (45-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Friday. The Grizzlies (29-42) take on the Magic in Orlando on Friday.
The Grizzlies got out to a great start at home, as they burst out of the gates to outscore the visitors, 38-25, in the first quarter. They kept the pressure on and pushed their lead to 18, five minutes into the second quarter, but the Rockets woke up a bit and managed to make it a 10-point game by halftime. The Grizzlies came out strong again in the third quarter and ran away with a double-digit lead, and a 19-point lead heading into the final frame. However, the Rockets were not finished, as they mounted a ridiculous rally through the fourth, outscoring the Grizzlies by 19, capped off by three free throws from James Harden to send the game to overtime. The Grizzlies got a good start in extra time and by five with 29 seconds to go, until James Harden struck with a five quick points to tie it up with 15 seconds on the clock. The Grizzlies were saved by Jonas Valanciunas, who was fouled on a put back attempt and sunk 1-of-2 free throws, for the win with 0.1 seconds on the clock.
Valanciunas had a huge night with 33 points, 15 rebounds and one assist, in 36 minutes. Mike Conley led the team with 35 points, eight assists and five rebounds, in 42 minutes, while Bruno Caboclo was efficient with 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting, seven assists and three rebounds, in 41 minutes.
Meanwhile, James Harden led the Rockets with 57 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, two steals and two blocks, in 46 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 18 points, seven points, seven rebounds and a steal.
The Rockets (45-27) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Spurs on Friday. The Grizzlies (29-42) take on the Magic in Orlando on Friday.
Heat Upset Spurs, 110-105
The Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 110-105, at AT&T Center on Wednesday.
Miami (35-36) came out firing Wednesday night, opening up a 15-point lead at the end of the first half and building that up to 18 in the opening moments of the second. The Spurs, however, wouldn't go down without a fight and got within three points with just over a minute remaining. Thanks to a pair of stops, including a Dwyane Wade steal off DeMar DeRozan, Miami was able to escape with its third straight victory.
Six Heat players scored in double figures Wednesday night, including all four players who came off the bench. Goran Dragic led the way with 22 points in just 22 minutes as a reserve thanks to an efficient 8-of-13 shooting performance. Dion Waiters had one of his best games since returning from injury, adding 18 points in 33 minutes, while Josh Richardson was close behind with 15 points of his own. The Heat have their hot shooting from downtown to thank for carrying them to victory, as the team shot 16-of-35 from behind the arc.
As for the Spurs (42-30), they also had an impressive night shooting the ball from three, going 14-of-34 from long range, but they simply dug themselves a hole that they could never completely get themselves out of. LaMarcus Aldridge, Marco Belinelli and Patty Mills each posted a team-high 17 points, while DeMar DeRozan was the next highest scorer with 16. Rudy Gay added 15 points in 32 minutes off the bench, While Davis Bertans made three three-pointers on his way to 10 points.
Miami (35-36) came out firing Wednesday night, opening up a 15-point lead at the end of the first half and building that up to 18 in the opening moments of the second. The Spurs, however, wouldn't go down without a fight and got within three points with just over a minute remaining. Thanks to a pair of stops, including a Dwyane Wade steal off DeMar DeRozan, Miami was able to escape with its third straight victory.
Six Heat players scored in double figures Wednesday night, including all four players who came off the bench. Goran Dragic led the way with 22 points in just 22 minutes as a reserve thanks to an efficient 8-of-13 shooting performance. Dion Waiters had one of his best games since returning from injury, adding 18 points in 33 minutes, while Josh Richardson was close behind with 15 points of his own. The Heat have their hot shooting from downtown to thank for carrying them to victory, as the team shot 16-of-35 from behind the arc.
As for the Spurs (42-30), they also had an impressive night shooting the ball from three, going 14-of-34 from long range, but they simply dug themselves a hole that they could never completely get themselves out of. LaMarcus Aldridge, Marco Belinelli and Patty Mills each posted a team-high 17 points, while DeMar DeRozan was the next highest scorer with 16. Rudy Gay added 15 points in 32 minutes off the bench, While Davis Bertans made three three-pointers on his way to 10 points.
Raptors Hold Off Thunder In Overtime, 123-114
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 123-114, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Wednesday.
With just over three minutes to go, the Thunder (42-30) found themselves down 11 points and well on their way to a fourth straight loss. From that point on, however, Oklahoma City managed to rattle off a 13-1 run, with nine points coming from Paul George in that stretch, to force overtime. Unfortunately for them, the scoring came to a screeching halt, and the team went scoreless for the first four and a half minutes of the extra period while the Raptors (51-21) had no issues putting the game away.
Pascal Siakam was brilliant for Toronto in the winning effort, scoring a team-high 33 points to go along with 13 rebounds, six assists and a pair of steals in 43 minutes. Kawhi Leonard managed to post his own double-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, while Fred VanVleet, who started at point guard in place of the injured Kyle Lowry, scored 23 points and had six assists himself. As a team, Toronto had an impressive 30 total assists on 45 made field goals and shot an efficient 51.7 percent from the floor.
As for the Thunder, George was missing in action for the first 45 minutes of the game, as he scored nine of his 19 points in the final three minutes before fouling out of the game with just 20 seconds remaining. As a result, Russell Westbrook was forced to shoulder much of the offensive load, but he thrived in doing so, scoring a game-high 42 points on 16-of-29 shooting from the floor to go along with 11 rebounds and six assists. Dennis Schroder, however, was the only other player who managed to reach double figures in the scoring column, putting up 12 points in 38 minutes off the bench.
With just over three minutes to go, the Thunder (42-30) found themselves down 11 points and well on their way to a fourth straight loss. From that point on, however, Oklahoma City managed to rattle off a 13-1 run, with nine points coming from Paul George in that stretch, to force overtime. Unfortunately for them, the scoring came to a screeching halt, and the team went scoreless for the first four and a half minutes of the extra period while the Raptors (51-21) had no issues putting the game away.
Pascal Siakam was brilliant for Toronto in the winning effort, scoring a team-high 33 points to go along with 13 rebounds, six assists and a pair of steals in 43 minutes. Kawhi Leonard managed to post his own double-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, while Fred VanVleet, who started at point guard in place of the injured Kyle Lowry, scored 23 points and had six assists himself. As a team, Toronto had an impressive 30 total assists on 45 made field goals and shot an efficient 51.7 percent from the floor.
As for the Thunder, George was missing in action for the first 45 minutes of the game, as he scored nine of his 19 points in the final three minutes before fouling out of the game with just 20 seconds remaining. As a result, Russell Westbrook was forced to shoulder much of the offensive load, but he thrived in doing so, scoring a game-high 42 points on 16-of-29 shooting from the floor to go along with 11 rebounds and six assists. Dennis Schroder, however, was the only other player who managed to reach double figures in the scoring column, putting up 12 points in 38 minutes off the bench.
Trail Blazers Defeat Mavericks, 126-118, Behind Lillard's Double-Double
By Oscar Heanue
The Portland Trail Blazers took down the Dallas Mavericks, 126-118, at Moda Center on Wednesday.
The Trail Blazers (44-27) set the tone early with a 13-0 run in the first quarter to take a double-digit lead. Dallas (28-43) rallied back in the second to take the lead after a series of buckets by rookie guard Luka Doncic. However, Portland was able to regain control by the end of the first half, entering the break with a 13-point advantage. It was smooth sailing for the Trail Blazers from there, as the team shot 50 percent from the field and knocked down 16 three-pointers on the night.
Damian Lillard led the way with 33 points and 12 assists for the Blazers. The big night comes on the heels of a season-high 15-assist performance against Indiana earlier in the week. Portland also capitalized on strong bench play from Seth Curry, who poured in 20 points to head up the second unit. The win marked Portland's fifth in its last six games.
Doncic was Dallas's leading scorer with 24 points. He shot an efficient 8-of-16 from the floor and 7-of-7 at the free-throw line. Justin Jackson also impressed for the Mavs, finishing with 21 points off the bench. Neither performance was enough, though, as the Mavericks were sunk by their middling 33.3 percent three-point shooting night.
The Mavericks will visit Sacramento on Thursday, while Portland will remain at home to take on the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
The Trail Blazers (44-27) set the tone early with a 13-0 run in the first quarter to take a double-digit lead. Dallas (28-43) rallied back in the second to take the lead after a series of buckets by rookie guard Luka Doncic. However, Portland was able to regain control by the end of the first half, entering the break with a 13-point advantage. It was smooth sailing for the Trail Blazers from there, as the team shot 50 percent from the field and knocked down 16 three-pointers on the night.
Damian Lillard led the way with 33 points and 12 assists for the Blazers. The big night comes on the heels of a season-high 15-assist performance against Indiana earlier in the week. Portland also capitalized on strong bench play from Seth Curry, who poured in 20 points to head up the second unit. The win marked Portland's fifth in its last six games.
Doncic was Dallas's leading scorer with 24 points. He shot an efficient 8-of-16 from the floor and 7-of-7 at the free-throw line. Justin Jackson also impressed for the Mavs, finishing with 21 points off the bench. Neither performance was enough, though, as the Mavericks were sunk by their middling 33.3 percent three-point shooting night.
The Mavericks will visit Sacramento on Thursday, while Portland will remain at home to take on the Detroit Pistons on Saturday.