Celtics Defeat Raptors, 123-116, in OT
The Boston Celtics defeated the visiting Toronto Raptors, 123-116, at TD Garden on Friday.
There were 11 ties and nine lead changes in this competitive matchup, as it took an overtime session to determine a winner. Boston dominated that extra session, outscoring Toronto, 16-9. In fact, the Celtics never trailed in overtime, despite the fact that the Raptors held the lead for the majority of the second half. Boston ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding Toronto to 43 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range.
The Raptors (12-4) were led by Kawhi Leonard, as he tallied 31 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three steals. Serge Ibaka amassed 21 points and four rebounds. Pascal Siakam collected 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kyle Lowry finished with 14 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
The Celtics (9-6) got a spectacular performance out of Kyrie Irving, as he accumulated 43 points, two rebounds, 11 assists and three steals. Jayson Tatum totaled 21 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Gordon Hayward had one of his best games of the season, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals.
Both teams will have to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, with Toronto traveling to face the Chicago Bulls and Boston playing host to the Utah Jazz.
There were 11 ties and nine lead changes in this competitive matchup, as it took an overtime session to determine a winner. Boston dominated that extra session, outscoring Toronto, 16-9. In fact, the Celtics never trailed in overtime, despite the fact that the Raptors held the lead for the majority of the second half. Boston ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range while holding Toronto to 43 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range.
The Raptors (12-4) were led by Kawhi Leonard, as he tallied 31 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three steals. Serge Ibaka amassed 21 points and four rebounds. Pascal Siakam collected 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kyle Lowry finished with 14 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals.
The Celtics (9-6) got a spectacular performance out of Kyrie Irving, as he accumulated 43 points, two rebounds, 11 assists and three steals. Jayson Tatum totaled 21 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Gordon Hayward had one of his best games of the season, finishing with 15 points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals.
Both teams will have to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, with Toronto traveling to face the Chicago Bulls and Boston playing host to the Utah Jazz.
Pacers Defeat Heat, 99-91
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 99-91, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Friday.
While Miami got out to an eight-point lead after the first quarter, Indiana dominated from there. The second quarter was key, with the Pacers outscoring the Heat, 32-16. Indiana held the lead for the entirety of the second half, as there were only three ties and two lead changes in total. The shooting disparity was also critical, with Indiana connecting on 44 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range while holding Miami to just 38 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range.
The Heat (6-9) were led by Josh Richardson, as he tallied 28 points, four rebounds and two assists on 10-of-16 from the field. Hassan Whiteside finished with 12 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks. Rodney McGruder totaled 11 points and five rebounds while Tyler Johnson led the bench with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Pacers (9-6) were led by Tyreke Evans, as he scored a season-high 23 points to lead the bench. He also provided 10 rebounds and went 5-of-7 from three-point range. Bojan Bogdanovic led the starters with 16 points and six boards. Myles Turner accrued 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
On deck for Indiana is a home matchup versus the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. As for Miami, they're off until Sunday when they play host to the Los Angeles Lakers.
While Miami got out to an eight-point lead after the first quarter, Indiana dominated from there. The second quarter was key, with the Pacers outscoring the Heat, 32-16. Indiana held the lead for the entirety of the second half, as there were only three ties and two lead changes in total. The shooting disparity was also critical, with Indiana connecting on 44 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range while holding Miami to just 38 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range.
The Heat (6-9) were led by Josh Richardson, as he tallied 28 points, four rebounds and two assists on 10-of-16 from the field. Hassan Whiteside finished with 12 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks. Rodney McGruder totaled 11 points and five rebounds while Tyler Johnson led the bench with 10 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Pacers (9-6) were led by Tyreke Evans, as he scored a season-high 23 points to lead the bench. He also provided 10 rebounds and went 5-of-7 from three-point range. Bojan Bogdanovic led the starters with 16 points and six boards. Myles Turner accrued 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
On deck for Indiana is a home matchup versus the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. As for Miami, they're off until Sunday when they play host to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Sixers Edge Jazz, 113-107
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Utah Jazz, 113-107, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday evening.
It was a tale of two quarters in the first half for the 76ers (10-7), which exploded out of the gates for a 38-point haul over the first 12 minutes. However, as prolific as Philadelphia was in the first quarter, they had as much trouble finding the net in the second. posting only 16 points. That was the extent of their scoring drought, though, as the home squad was able to outpace the Jazz (7-8) by a 59-55 margin in the second half. The game was not won without several scares in the final period, as Utah held a 107-105 lead as late as the 1:37 mark of the fourth quarter before the Big Three of Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler and Joel Embiid notched the final six points to seal the win.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Jazz with 31 points, a total he supplemented with two rebounds, four steals and one block. Joe Ingles provided 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Ricky Rubio and Derrick Favors generated matching 13-point efforts. Rudy Gobert contributed a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Butler paced the Sixers with 28 points, a total he supplemented with seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Embiid delivered 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals. J.J. Redick poured in 16 points. Simmons pitched in a full stat line of 10 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, one steal and one block. Amir Johnson led the second unit with 11 points.
The Jazz remain on the road and pay a visit to the Boston Celtics on Saturday evening. The Sixers also hit the road and tangle with the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night as well.
It was a tale of two quarters in the first half for the 76ers (10-7), which exploded out of the gates for a 38-point haul over the first 12 minutes. However, as prolific as Philadelphia was in the first quarter, they had as much trouble finding the net in the second. posting only 16 points. That was the extent of their scoring drought, though, as the home squad was able to outpace the Jazz (7-8) by a 59-55 margin in the second half. The game was not won without several scares in the final period, as Utah held a 107-105 lead as late as the 1:37 mark of the fourth quarter before the Big Three of Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler and Joel Embiid notched the final six points to seal the win.
Donovan Mitchell paced the Jazz with 31 points, a total he supplemented with two rebounds, four steals and one block. Joe Ingles provided 14 points, two rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block. Ricky Rubio and Derrick Favors generated matching 13-point efforts. Rudy Gobert contributed a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double.
Butler paced the Sixers with 28 points, a total he supplemented with seven assists, three rebounds and two steals. Embiid delivered 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals. J.J. Redick poured in 16 points. Simmons pitched in a full stat line of 10 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, one steal and one block. Amir Johnson led the second unit with 11 points.
The Jazz remain on the road and pay a visit to the Boston Celtics on Saturday evening. The Sixers also hit the road and tangle with the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night as well.
Nets Stun Wizards In Washington
By Dan Bruno
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Washington Wizards, 115-104, at Capital One Arena on Friday evening.
The Wizards got out to a good start on the road, with an early 10-4 lead, an held on to take a 30-26 lead into the second. They managed to stay on top to begin the quarter, but the Nets picked up the pace and pulled ahead to take a 56-54 lead into halftime. The Nets picked up where they left off in the third quarter, as they pushed their way to a 10-point lead, five minutes into the quarter, and went on to outscore Washington by 10 in the quarter, to take a 91-79 lead into the final frame. The Wizards had no answer, as the Nets held a 15-point lead halfway through the quarter, and went on to end a three-game losing streak, while the Wizards saw their three-game winning streak come to an end.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 25 points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals, in 31 minutes off the bench. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 23 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 29 minutes. Jarrett Allen had a big night, with 16 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 31 minutes. The Nets shot 42 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dwight Howard led the Wizards with 25 points, 17 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block, in 27 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block, while Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in 18 points, in 27 minutes off the bench. The Wizards shot 42 percent from the field, including 3-of-18 from deep.
The Wizards (5-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Nets (7-9) play host to the Clippers on Saturday.
The Wizards got out to a good start on the road, with an early 10-4 lead, an held on to take a 30-26 lead into the second. They managed to stay on top to begin the quarter, but the Nets picked up the pace and pulled ahead to take a 56-54 lead into halftime. The Nets picked up where they left off in the third quarter, as they pushed their way to a 10-point lead, five minutes into the quarter, and went on to outscore Washington by 10 in the quarter, to take a 91-79 lead into the final frame. The Wizards had no answer, as the Nets held a 15-point lead halfway through the quarter, and went on to end a three-game losing streak, while the Wizards saw their three-game winning streak come to an end.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the Nets with 25 points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals, in 31 minutes off the bench. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 23 points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals, in 29 minutes. Jarrett Allen had a big night, with 16 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and a steal, in 31 minutes. The Nets shot 42 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dwight Howard led the Wizards with 25 points, 17 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block, in 27 minutes. Bradley Beal followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, two assists and a block, while Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in 18 points, in 27 minutes off the bench. The Wizards shot 42 percent from the field, including 3-of-18 from deep.
The Wizards (5-10) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Nets (7-9) play host to the Clippers on Saturday.
Pelicans Outlast Knicks, 129-124
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the New York Knicks, 129-124, at Smoothie King Arena on Friday evening.
The Pelicans (8-7) looked woefully unprepared to start the game while falling behind by a 32-16 margin in the first quarter. However, the light seemingly came on at that point, as New Orleans racked up 113 points over the final three periods. Nevertheless, the Knicks (4-12) still held a 119-116 lead as late as the 3:24 mark of the fourth quarter before the home squad was able to finish off the contest with a 13-5 run. A Julius Randle tip shot and a Jrue Holiday three-pointer gave the Pelicans some much-needed breathing room in the closing minute to help seal the win. New Orleans held a big advantage on the boards, winning the rebounding battle by a 54-44 margin.
Tim Hardaway, Jr. paced the Knicks with 30 points, a total he supplemented with eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Trey Burke turned in 24 points, one rebound, one assist, one steal and one block. Emmanuel Mudiay managed 19 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Allonzo Trier and Kevin Knox generated matching 11-point tallies, with Trier adding five assists and Knox adding five rebounds.
Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with a 43-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included five assists, one steal and one block. Holiday pitched in 24 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. E'Twaun Moore poured in 13 points. Nikola Mirotic contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one block. Randle led the bench with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Knicks remain on the road and head further south to take on the Orlando Magic on Sunday evening, while the Pelicans remain home and tangle with the Denver Nuggets on that same night.
The Pelicans (8-7) looked woefully unprepared to start the game while falling behind by a 32-16 margin in the first quarter. However, the light seemingly came on at that point, as New Orleans racked up 113 points over the final three periods. Nevertheless, the Knicks (4-12) still held a 119-116 lead as late as the 3:24 mark of the fourth quarter before the home squad was able to finish off the contest with a 13-5 run. A Julius Randle tip shot and a Jrue Holiday three-pointer gave the Pelicans some much-needed breathing room in the closing minute to help seal the win. New Orleans held a big advantage on the boards, winning the rebounding battle by a 54-44 margin.
Tim Hardaway, Jr. paced the Knicks with 30 points, a total he supplemented with eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Trey Burke turned in 24 points, one rebound, one assist, one steal and one block. Emmanuel Mudiay managed 19 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Allonzo Trier and Kevin Knox generated matching 11-point tallies, with Trier adding five assists and Knox adding five rebounds.
Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with a 43-point, 17-rebound double-double that also included five assists, one steal and one block. Holiday pitched in 24 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. E'Twaun Moore poured in 13 points. Nikola Mirotic contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and one block. Randle led the bench with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
The Knicks remain on the road and head further south to take on the Orlando Magic on Sunday evening, while the Pelicans remain home and tangle with the Denver Nuggets on that same night.
Timberwolves Cruise To Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 112-96, at Target Center on Friday evening.
The Timberwolves got out to a solid start at home, as they grabbed a 10-5 lead just three minutes into the game, and went on to lead for the entirety of the first quarter, with a 29-21 lead heading into the second. They kept it up in the second, as they maintained a comfortable cushion until the Trail Blazers cut the lead to seven with about three minutes left. However, the Timberwolves closed the half on a 11-6 run to take a 55-43 lead into halftime. The Trail Blazers came out strong in the third and cut the deficit to eight, just two minutes into the quarter. The T-Wolves did not break though, as they managed to outscore the Trail Blazers, 28-24, in the quarter, to take a 83-67 lead into the final frame. The Trail Blazers could not gain any ground from there, as the Timberwolves pushed their lead to 20, before settling on the 16-point win. This marks the third straight win for the Timberwolves and the second loss in a row for Portland.
Andrew Wiggins led Minnesota with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block, in 37 minutes. Derrick Rose followed up with 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Robert Covington and Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 14 points each. The Timberwolves shot 50 percent from the field, including 12-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, C.J. McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting, in 30 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Jusuf Nurkic tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds and one block. The Trail Blazers shot 42 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (10-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Sunday. The Timberwolves (7-9) play host to the Grizzlies on Sunday.
The Timberwolves got out to a solid start at home, as they grabbed a 10-5 lead just three minutes into the game, and went on to lead for the entirety of the first quarter, with a 29-21 lead heading into the second. They kept it up in the second, as they maintained a comfortable cushion until the Trail Blazers cut the lead to seven with about three minutes left. However, the Timberwolves closed the half on a 11-6 run to take a 55-43 lead into halftime. The Trail Blazers came out strong in the third and cut the deficit to eight, just two minutes into the quarter. The T-Wolves did not break though, as they managed to outscore the Trail Blazers, 28-24, in the quarter, to take a 83-67 lead into the final frame. The Trail Blazers could not gain any ground from there, as the Timberwolves pushed their lead to 20, before settling on the 16-point win. This marks the third straight win for the Timberwolves and the second loss in a row for Portland.
Andrew Wiggins led Minnesota with 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block, in 37 minutes. Derrick Rose followed up with 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Robert Covington and Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 14 points each. The Timberwolves shot 50 percent from the field, including 12-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, C.J. McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting, in 30 minutes. Damian Lillard followed up with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Jusuf Nurkic tallied 13 points, 11 rebounds and one block. The Trail Blazers shot 42 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (10-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Sunday. The Timberwolves (7-9) play host to the Grizzlies on Sunday.
Grizzlies Defeat Kings, 112-104
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 112-104, at FedEx Forum on Friday.
While the final scoreline shows a close game, Memphis held the lead for all but a few minutes. The second quarter played a big part of that, with the Grizzlies outscoring the Kings, 33-23. Memphis actually held the lead for the entirety of the second half, as Sacramento never got the game within a four-point margin from there. The Grizzlies ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Memphis also dominated the turnover differential, forcing 21 turnovers from Sacramento while committing just 13 on their end. The Grizzlies also dominated down low, outscoring the Kings in the paint, 54-42.
The Kings (8-7) got another gem out of De'Aaron Fox, as he tallied 23 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Buddy Hield finished with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Willie Cauley-Stein accrued 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists and three steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Grizzlies (9-5) leading scorer was Jaren Jackson Jr., as he collected 27 points, six rebounds, four steals and two blocks on 11-of-16 from the field. Mike Conley accumulated 19 points, three rebounds and six assists. Marc Gasol generated 19 points, 15 rebounds and two assists. Garret Temple totaled 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals.
On deck for Sacramento is a road matchup versus the Houston Rockets on Saturday. As for Memphis, they return to action on Sunday when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road as well.
While the final scoreline shows a close game, Memphis held the lead for all but a few minutes. The second quarter played a big part of that, with the Grizzlies outscoring the Kings, 33-23. Memphis actually held the lead for the entirety of the second half, as Sacramento never got the game within a four-point margin from there. The Grizzlies ended up shooting 51 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. Memphis also dominated the turnover differential, forcing 21 turnovers from Sacramento while committing just 13 on their end. The Grizzlies also dominated down low, outscoring the Kings in the paint, 54-42.
The Kings (8-7) got another gem out of De'Aaron Fox, as he tallied 23 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Buddy Hield finished with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Willie Cauley-Stein accrued 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists and three steals. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the bench with 12 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Grizzlies (9-5) leading scorer was Jaren Jackson Jr., as he collected 27 points, six rebounds, four steals and two blocks on 11-of-16 from the field. Mike Conley accumulated 19 points, three rebounds and six assists. Marc Gasol generated 19 points, 15 rebounds and two assists. Garret Temple totaled 14 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals.
On deck for Sacramento is a road matchup versus the Houston Rockets on Saturday. As for Memphis, they return to action on Sunday when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road as well.
Bucks Dominate Second Half To Secure Win
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 123-104, at BMO Harris Bradley Center on Friday evening.
The Bulls jumped out and stunned the Bucks, as they built a 16-6 lead just five minutes into the game, and went on to outscore the home team, 40-27, in the first quarter. The Bulls stayed in control, as they maintained a double-digit lead through the second quarter and took a 63-45 lead into halftime. The Bucks turned the tables in the third, as they kicked the quarter off with a 17-6 run, to cut the deficit to just seven. They carried on to outscore the Bulls by 29 in the quarter, to take a 91-80 lead into the fourth. The Bulls were not able to recover from the devastating third quarter, where they were outscored 46-17, as they were not even able to get back within 10 points of the Bucks for the remainder of the contest.
Eric Bledsoe led the Bucks with 25 points, six assists, four rebounds, three steals and one block, in 30 minutes. Giannis Antetokounmpo followed up with 23 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and three blocks, while Khris Middleton added 23 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The Bucks shot 50 percent from the field, including 18-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jabari Parker led the Bulls with 21 points, eight rebounds and three assists, in 33 minutes. Justin Holiday followed up with 20 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals, while Antonio Blakeney tallied 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting, in 20 minutes off the bench. The Bulls shot 44 percent from the field, including 13-of-33 from long range.
The Bulls (4-12) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Saturday. The Bucks (11-4) play host to the Nuggets on Monday.
The Bulls jumped out and stunned the Bucks, as they built a 16-6 lead just five minutes into the game, and went on to outscore the home team, 40-27, in the first quarter. The Bulls stayed in control, as they maintained a double-digit lead through the second quarter and took a 63-45 lead into halftime. The Bucks turned the tables in the third, as they kicked the quarter off with a 17-6 run, to cut the deficit to just seven. They carried on to outscore the Bulls by 29 in the quarter, to take a 91-80 lead into the fourth. The Bulls were not able to recover from the devastating third quarter, where they were outscored 46-17, as they were not even able to get back within 10 points of the Bucks for the remainder of the contest.
Eric Bledsoe led the Bucks with 25 points, six assists, four rebounds, three steals and one block, in 30 minutes. Giannis Antetokounmpo followed up with 23 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and three blocks, while Khris Middleton added 23 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals. The Bucks shot 50 percent from the field, including 18-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jabari Parker led the Bulls with 21 points, eight rebounds and three assists, in 33 minutes. Justin Holiday followed up with 20 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals, while Antonio Blakeney tallied 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting, in 20 minutes off the bench. The Bulls shot 44 percent from the field, including 13-of-33 from long range.
The Bulls (4-12) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Saturday. The Bucks (11-4) play host to the Nuggets on Monday.