Clippers Own Fourth Quarter En Route To Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Brooklyn Nets, 127-119, at Barclays Center on Saturday evening.
The Nets got out to a good start at home, as they kicked things off with an 11-4 lead. The Clippers pushed back, but the Nets held on to take a, 37-32, lead into the second quarter. The Nets stepped it up with a 14-4 run to start the quarter, and once again held off the Clippers, who continued to chip away. The Nets led 67-60 at halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third and matched each other bucket for bucket, until the score was settled at 97-90, with the Nets' advantage heading into the final frame. The tides turned in the fourth quarter, as the Clippers hit a quick 7-0 run to tie it up. The game was tied at 110, with 4:36 to go, when the Clippers mounted a 9-2 run, to take a seven-point advantage with 2:13 remaining. The Clippers held on to earn their fourth straight win.
Danilo Gallinari led the Clippers with 28 points on 9-of-14 shooting, in 32 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 27 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Montrezl Harrell added 16 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and a block, in 27 minutes off the bench. The Clippers shot 51 percent from the field, including 11-of-23 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen led the Nets with 24 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a block, in 28 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 23 points, 10 assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block, while Joe Harris tallied 19 points, four rebounds, an assist and a steal. The Nets shot 46 percent from the field, including 13-of-28 from long range.
The Nets (7-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Tuesday. The Clippers (10-5) head to Atlanta to take on the Hawks on Monday.
The Nets got out to a good start at home, as they kicked things off with an 11-4 lead. The Clippers pushed back, but the Nets held on to take a, 37-32, lead into the second quarter. The Nets stepped it up with a 14-4 run to start the quarter, and once again held off the Clippers, who continued to chip away. The Nets led 67-60 at halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third and matched each other bucket for bucket, until the score was settled at 97-90, with the Nets' advantage heading into the final frame. The tides turned in the fourth quarter, as the Clippers hit a quick 7-0 run to tie it up. The game was tied at 110, with 4:36 to go, when the Clippers mounted a 9-2 run, to take a seven-point advantage with 2:13 remaining. The Clippers held on to earn their fourth straight win.
Danilo Gallinari led the Clippers with 28 points on 9-of-14 shooting, in 32 minutes. Tobias Harris followed up with 27 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Montrezl Harrell added 16 points, 10 rebounds, one assist and a block, in 27 minutes off the bench. The Clippers shot 51 percent from the field, including 11-of-23 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen led the Nets with 24 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a block, in 28 minutes. D'Angelo Russell followed up with 23 points, 10 assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block, while Joe Harris tallied 19 points, four rebounds, an assist and a steal. The Nets shot 46 percent from the field, including 13-of-28 from long range.
The Nets (7-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the Heat in Miami on Tuesday. The Clippers (10-5) head to Atlanta to take on the Hawks on Monday.
Pelicans Defeat Nuggets, 125-115
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 125-115, at Smoothie King Center on Saturday.
While there were eight ties and eight lead changes in the first half, New Orleans held the lead for the entirety of the second half. In fact, the Pelicans either won or tied all four quarters, as a 28-21 third quarter allowed them to control the second half. New Orleans dominated from the free-throw line, hitting 31-of-34 while holding Denver to just 8-of-13. Transition offense was also critical for New Orleans, as they outscored Denver, 20-10, in fastbreak points.
The Nuggets (11-5) were led by Nikola Jokic, as he tallied 25 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Gary Harris finished with 24 points, five rebounds and four assists. Juancho Hernangomez totaled 20 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Monte Morris went 6-of-7 from the field to lead the bench with 13 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Pelicans (9-7) got another monster game from Anthony Davis, as he went 20-of-21 from the free-throw line to collect 40 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Nikola Mirotic amassed 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three block. Jrue Holiday accrued 19 points, three rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Julius Randle led the bench with 21 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Denver traveling to face the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans welcoming the San Antonio Spurs to The Big Easy.
While there were eight ties and eight lead changes in the first half, New Orleans held the lead for the entirety of the second half. In fact, the Pelicans either won or tied all four quarters, as a 28-21 third quarter allowed them to control the second half. New Orleans dominated from the free-throw line, hitting 31-of-34 while holding Denver to just 8-of-13. Transition offense was also critical for New Orleans, as they outscored Denver, 20-10, in fastbreak points.
The Nuggets (11-5) were led by Nikola Jokic, as he tallied 25 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Gary Harris finished with 24 points, five rebounds and four assists. Juancho Hernangomez totaled 20 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Monte Morris went 6-of-7 from the field to lead the bench with 13 points, three rebounds and five assists.
The Pelicans (9-7) got another monster game from Anthony Davis, as he went 20-of-21 from the free-throw line to collect 40 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Nikola Mirotic amassed 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three block. Jrue Holiday accrued 19 points, three rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Julius Randle led the bench with 21 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Both teams return to action on Monday, with Denver traveling to face the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans welcoming the San Antonio Spurs to The Big Easy.
Pacers Defeat Hawks, 97-89
The Indiana Pacers defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 97-89, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Saturday.
There were six ties and 14 lead changes in this game, as it took a big second half for Indiana to pull away. In fact, the Pacers outscored the Hawks, 50-33, in the second half. Defense was key for Indiana, as they held Atlanta to just 36 percent from the field and 28 percent from three-point range. Rebounding was also a huge factor, with the Pacers outrebounding the Hawks, 54-41. These teams combined for 39 combined steals and blocks, which is one of the highest totals of the season.
The Hawks (3-13) had just one starter reach double figures in scoring, as Kent Bazemore collected 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Jeremy Lin led the team in scoring off of the bench, providing 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. John Collins made his season debut, as he amassed 12 points and two rebounds in 12 minutes of action.
The Pacers (10-6) lost their leading scorer in this game, as Victor Oladipo left after eight minutes due to a sore knee. Bojan Bogdanovic stepped up in his absence, leading the way with 22 points and four rebounds. Darren Collison accumulated 12 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Myles Turner generated 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Domantas Sabonis was huge off the bench, providing nine points, 16 rebounds and six assists.
Both teams play home games on Monday for their next fixture, with Indiana welcoming the Utah Jazz and Atlanta facing off with the Los Angeles Clippers.
There were six ties and 14 lead changes in this game, as it took a big second half for Indiana to pull away. In fact, the Pacers outscored the Hawks, 50-33, in the second half. Defense was key for Indiana, as they held Atlanta to just 36 percent from the field and 28 percent from three-point range. Rebounding was also a huge factor, with the Pacers outrebounding the Hawks, 54-41. These teams combined for 39 combined steals and blocks, which is one of the highest totals of the season.
The Hawks (3-13) had just one starter reach double figures in scoring, as Kent Bazemore collected 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals. Jeremy Lin led the team in scoring off of the bench, providing 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals. John Collins made his season debut, as he amassed 12 points and two rebounds in 12 minutes of action.
The Pacers (10-6) lost their leading scorer in this game, as Victor Oladipo left after eight minutes due to a sore knee. Bojan Bogdanovic stepped up in his absence, leading the way with 22 points and four rebounds. Darren Collison accumulated 12 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Myles Turner generated 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Domantas Sabonis was huge off the bench, providing nine points, 16 rebounds and six assists.
Both teams play home games on Monday for their next fixture, with Indiana welcoming the Utah Jazz and Atlanta facing off with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Magic Roll Lakers, 130-117
The Orlando Magic defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 130-117, at Amway Center on Saturday.
While Los Angeles held the lead for the first 15 minutes of this game, Orlando dominated from there. In fact, the Magic outscored the Lakers, 75-50 in the second and third quarters. In addition, Orlando held a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of this game. The Magic ended up shooting 54 percent from the field while holding the Lakers to 48 percent shooting. Ball movement was also critical, with Orlando out-assisting Los Angeles, 28-22.
The Lakers (8-7) were led by LeBron James, as he tallied 22 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Brandon Ingram totaled 17 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Lonzo Ball failed to score but provided five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Lance Stephenson led the bench with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Magic (8-8) got a monster double-double out of Nikola Vucevic, as he accrued 36 points, 13 rebounds and two steals on 15-of-23 from the field. D.J. Augustin amassed 22 points and seven assists. Evan Fournier finished with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jonathan Simmons was a huge spark off the bench, providing 12 points, five rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Orlando playing host to the New York Knicks and Los Angeles traveling to Florida the Miami Heat on the road.
While Los Angeles held the lead for the first 15 minutes of this game, Orlando dominated from there. In fact, the Magic outscored the Lakers, 75-50 in the second and third quarters. In addition, Orlando held a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of this game. The Magic ended up shooting 54 percent from the field while holding the Lakers to 48 percent shooting. Ball movement was also critical, with Orlando out-assisting Los Angeles, 28-22.
The Lakers (8-7) were led by LeBron James, as he tallied 22 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Brandon Ingram totaled 17 points, six rebounds and seven assists. Lonzo Ball failed to score but provided five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Lance Stephenson led the bench with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists.
The Magic (8-8) got a monster double-double out of Nikola Vucevic, as he accrued 36 points, 13 rebounds and two steals on 15-of-23 from the field. D.J. Augustin amassed 22 points and seven assists. Evan Fournier finished with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jonathan Simmons was a huge spark off the bench, providing 12 points, five rebounds and six assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Orlando playing host to the New York Knicks and Los Angeles traveling to Florida the Miami Heat on the road.
Jimmy Butler Sinks Dagger In OT Thriller
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host Charlotte Hornets, 122-119, at Spectrum Center on Saturday evening.
The 76ers got out to a great start on the road, with a quick 12-4 lead, and went on to pour in 42 points in the first quarter, while holding the Hornets to 30. The Hornets picked up the defense in the second, as they held the 76ers to 21 points, and outscored the visitors by five in the quarter. The Hornets carried the momentum into the third, where they jumped ahead with a 12-3 run, to take the lead. The Sixers stayed tough, but the Hornets outscored them by 11 in the quarter, to take an 86-82 lead into the fourth. The 76ers remained relentless, as they fought their way to take a one-point lead, five minutes into the quarter. They kept pressing and pushed their lead to 10, with four minutes left. However, the Hornets rallied back as Kemba Walker hit two free throws just in time to tie it up at 110, and send the game to overtime. Walker was on fire for the Hornets as he finished the night with 60 points, however his performance was negated by a wild sequence of events in overtime, where Jimmy Butler decided the game with a block, followed by the game-winning three, with 0.3 seconds left.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 33 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, in 40 minutes. Ben Simmons followed up with 23 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while J.J. Redick tallied 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting. Butler finished with just 15 points, but they came at just the right time
Meanwhile, Walker's 60 points came on an impressive 21-of-34 shooting effort, in 45 minutes of action. Jeremy Lamb followed up with 20 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and one steal, while Cody Zeller tallied 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Hornets (7-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Celtics on Monday. The 76ers (11-7) play host to the Suns on Monday.
The 76ers got out to a great start on the road, with a quick 12-4 lead, and went on to pour in 42 points in the first quarter, while holding the Hornets to 30. The Hornets picked up the defense in the second, as they held the 76ers to 21 points, and outscored the visitors by five in the quarter. The Hornets carried the momentum into the third, where they jumped ahead with a 12-3 run, to take the lead. The Sixers stayed tough, but the Hornets outscored them by 11 in the quarter, to take an 86-82 lead into the fourth. The 76ers remained relentless, as they fought their way to take a one-point lead, five minutes into the quarter. They kept pressing and pushed their lead to 10, with four minutes left. However, the Hornets rallied back as Kemba Walker hit two free throws just in time to tie it up at 110, and send the game to overtime. Walker was on fire for the Hornets as he finished the night with 60 points, however his performance was negated by a wild sequence of events in overtime, where Jimmy Butler decided the game with a block, followed by the game-winning three, with 0.3 seconds left.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 33 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, in 40 minutes. Ben Simmons followed up with 23 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while J.J. Redick tallied 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting. Butler finished with just 15 points, but they came at just the right time
Meanwhile, Walker's 60 points came on an impressive 21-of-34 shooting effort, in 45 minutes of action. Jeremy Lamb followed up with 20 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and one steal, while Cody Zeller tallied 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Hornets (7-8) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Celtics on Monday. The 76ers (11-7) play host to the Suns on Monday.
Jazz Stymies Celtics, 98-86
The Utah Jazz defeated the Boston Celtics, 98-86, at TD Garden on Saturday night.
The Jazz (8-8) had battled inconsistency since the start of the season, but they managed one of their more complete performance in a difficult road environment. Utah got a combined 48 points from their starting backcourt duo of Ricky Rubio and Donovan Mitchell and held the Celtics (9-7) to 38.2 percent shooting, including an unsightly 15.2 percent from three-point range. The third quarter was the launching pad to the win, as Utah held Boston to just 17 points.
Mitchell spearheaded the Jazz with a game-high 28 points, a total he supplemented with six assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Rubio tallied 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Rudy Gobert totaled 12 points, nine boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Derrick Favors generated matching 10-point efforts from the starting five and bench. They pulled down eight and seven rebounds, respectively.
Kyrie Irving led the Celtics with 20 points and added eight rebounds, one assist and two steals. Jayson Tatum was the only other double-digit scorer for Boston with 10 points, and he added seven rebounds. Al Horford filled out the stat sheet with nine points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Guerschon Yabusele led the bench with nine points of his own.
The Jazz next visit the Indiana Pacers on Monday evening, while the Celtics hit the road as well and face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night.
The Jazz (8-8) had battled inconsistency since the start of the season, but they managed one of their more complete performance in a difficult road environment. Utah got a combined 48 points from their starting backcourt duo of Ricky Rubio and Donovan Mitchell and held the Celtics (9-7) to 38.2 percent shooting, including an unsightly 15.2 percent from three-point range. The third quarter was the launching pad to the win, as Utah held Boston to just 17 points.
Mitchell spearheaded the Jazz with a game-high 28 points, a total he supplemented with six assists, three rebounds, three steals and one block. Rubio tallied 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Rudy Gobert totaled 12 points, nine boards, three assists, two steals and one block. Derrick Favors generated matching 10-point efforts from the starting five and bench. They pulled down eight and seven rebounds, respectively.
Kyrie Irving led the Celtics with 20 points and added eight rebounds, one assist and two steals. Jayson Tatum was the only other double-digit scorer for Boston with 10 points, and he added seven rebounds. Al Horford filled out the stat sheet with nine points, six rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Guerschon Yabusele led the bench with nine points of his own.
The Jazz next visit the Indiana Pacers on Monday evening, while the Celtics hit the road as well and face the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night.
Raptors Dominate Bulls, 122-83
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Chicago Bulls, 122-83, at United Center on Saturday evening.
The Raptors (12-4) came into the contest likely smarting from their overtime loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday night, a game in which they blew a fourth-quarter lead. Toronto also came into Saturday's game short-handed, as they were without Kawhi Leonard (rest), OG Anunoby (wrist) and C.J. Miles (groin). However, the visitors set the tone early by jumping out to a 57-44 halftime lead. They then put any doubts about the outcome to rest in a dominant third period in which they racked up 32 points while limiting the Bulls (4-13) to just 12. Kyle Lowry eventually exited the game for the Raptors with victory firmly in hand during the second half, as he was hampered by a sore ankle. The game was a turnover fest, with Toronto actually outpacing Chicago in that department, 24-23. However, the Raptors drained 53.9 percent of their attempts while holding the Bulls to a 34.9 percent figure.
Fred VanVleet drew the start for Leonard and led the Raptors with 18 points, a total he supplemented with four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Danny Green turned in 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Serge Ibaka produced 16 points, four rebounds, one assist, four blocks and two steals. Pascal Siakam collected 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Lowry finished with eight points, eight assists, seven rebounds and three steals in 29 minutes before his exit.
The Bulls had only three double-digit scorers, with Antonio Blakeney leading the way with 13 points off the bench. Jabari Parker and Justin Holiday followed with matching 12-point efforts. Parker added six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Holiday had four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Chandler Hutchinson and Robin Lopez posted nine points apiece on the second unit.
The Raptors remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Tuesday evening, while the Bulls remain home and take on the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
The Raptors (12-4) came into the contest likely smarting from their overtime loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday night, a game in which they blew a fourth-quarter lead. Toronto also came into Saturday's game short-handed, as they were without Kawhi Leonard (rest), OG Anunoby (wrist) and C.J. Miles (groin). However, the visitors set the tone early by jumping out to a 57-44 halftime lead. They then put any doubts about the outcome to rest in a dominant third period in which they racked up 32 points while limiting the Bulls (4-13) to just 12. Kyle Lowry eventually exited the game for the Raptors with victory firmly in hand during the second half, as he was hampered by a sore ankle. The game was a turnover fest, with Toronto actually outpacing Chicago in that department, 24-23. However, the Raptors drained 53.9 percent of their attempts while holding the Bulls to a 34.9 percent figure.
Fred VanVleet drew the start for Leonard and led the Raptors with 18 points, a total he supplemented with four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Danny Green turned in 17 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal. Serge Ibaka produced 16 points, four rebounds, one assist, four blocks and two steals. Pascal Siakam collected 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. Lowry finished with eight points, eight assists, seven rebounds and three steals in 29 minutes before his exit.
The Bulls had only three double-digit scorers, with Antonio Blakeney leading the way with 13 points off the bench. Jabari Parker and Justin Holiday followed with matching 12-point efforts. Parker added six rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Holiday had four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Chandler Hutchinson and Robin Lopez posted nine points apiece on the second unit.
The Raptors remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Tuesday evening, while the Bulls remain home and take on the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
Rockets Blast Kings, 132-112
The Houston Rockets defeated the Sacramento Kings,132-112, at Toyota Center on Saturday night.
The Rockets (8-7) came into the contest looking to put their uncharacteristic early-season struggles even further in the rearview mirror against an improved Kings (8-8) squad. Houston got off to a good start in that regard by building a solid 71-59 halftime lead on the strength of red-hot shooting. They kept their foot on the gas in the third quarter, racking up another 38 points and adding 11 points to their advantage in the process. That sealed the win for Houston, which shot 56.8 percent from the field, including 42.6 percent from three-point range.
Buddy Hield led the way for the Kings with 23 points, a total he supplemented with seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. De'Aaron Fox posted 19 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal. Marvin Bagley III was extended time during the blowout defeat and posted 16 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block over 27 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic poured in 14 points.
James Harden paced the Rockets with 34 points and added eight assists, four rebounds and three steals. Chris Paul supplied 24 points, nine assists, four rebounds and one steal. Clint Capela followed with a 23-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included five blocks. Gerald Green led the bench with 17 points, while Eric Gordon contributed 11.
The Kings return home to tangle with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday evening, while the Rockets remain home and take on the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
The Rockets (8-7) came into the contest looking to put their uncharacteristic early-season struggles even further in the rearview mirror against an improved Kings (8-8) squad. Houston got off to a good start in that regard by building a solid 71-59 halftime lead on the strength of red-hot shooting. They kept their foot on the gas in the third quarter, racking up another 38 points and adding 11 points to their advantage in the process. That sealed the win for Houston, which shot 56.8 percent from the field, including 42.6 percent from three-point range.
Buddy Hield led the way for the Kings with 23 points, a total he supplemented with seven rebounds, two assists and one steal. De'Aaron Fox posted 19 points, three assists, one rebound and one steal. Marvin Bagley III was extended time during the blowout defeat and posted 16 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block over 27 minutes. Bogdan Bogdanovic poured in 14 points.
James Harden paced the Rockets with 34 points and added eight assists, four rebounds and three steals. Chris Paul supplied 24 points, nine assists, four rebounds and one steal. Clint Capela followed with a 23-point, 16-rebound double-double that also included five blocks. Gerald Green led the bench with 17 points, while Eric Gordon contributed 11.
The Kings return home to tangle with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday evening, while the Rockets remain home and take on the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.
Doncic Leads Mavs To Fourth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 112-109, at American Airlines Center on Saturday evening.
The Mavericks got out to a solid start at home, with an early 12-6 lead, which they were able to evolve into a 26-22 lead after one quarter. The Warriors made a push to start the second and took the lead within the first four minutes. However, the Mavericks hung around and trailed by just two, 59-57, at halftime. The Warriors pulled ahead by six early in the third, but the Mavericks quickly closed the gap to just two again. Nonetheless, the Warriors kept pressing and took an 86-82 lead into the final frame. The Mavericks simply would not back down, as they stayed within reach through the fourth quarter, before they overtook the Warriors thanks to solid defense and some clutch play in the final minutes. This marks the fourth straight win for the Mavericks, and the fourth loss in the last six games for Golden State.
Luka Doncic led the way for Dallas, with 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists, including a couple super clutch plays down the stretch. Harrison Barns had a solid outing, with 23 points, eight rebounds and one assist, in 36 minutes, while DeAndre Jordan tallied 13 points, 10 rebounds, one steal and one block. The Mavericks shot 46 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, the Warriors were without Stephen Curry (groin) and Draymond Green (toe). Kevin Durant led the way with 32 points, four rebounds, three assists and one block, in 36 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 22 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. The Warriors shot 45 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from deep.
The Warriors (12-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Sunday. The Mavericks (7-8) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Monday.
The Mavericks got out to a solid start at home, with an early 12-6 lead, which they were able to evolve into a 26-22 lead after one quarter. The Warriors made a push to start the second and took the lead within the first four minutes. However, the Mavericks hung around and trailed by just two, 59-57, at halftime. The Warriors pulled ahead by six early in the third, but the Mavericks quickly closed the gap to just two again. Nonetheless, the Warriors kept pressing and took an 86-82 lead into the final frame. The Mavericks simply would not back down, as they stayed within reach through the fourth quarter, before they overtook the Warriors thanks to solid defense and some clutch play in the final minutes. This marks the fourth straight win for the Mavericks, and the fourth loss in the last six games for Golden State.
Luka Doncic led the way for Dallas, with 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists, including a couple super clutch plays down the stretch. Harrison Barns had a solid outing, with 23 points, eight rebounds and one assist, in 36 minutes, while DeAndre Jordan tallied 13 points, 10 rebounds, one steal and one block. The Mavericks shot 46 percent from the field, including 10-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, the Warriors were without Stephen Curry (groin) and Draymond Green (toe). Kevin Durant led the way with 32 points, four rebounds, three assists and one block, in 36 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 22 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. The Warriors shot 45 percent from the field, including 9-of-33 from deep.
The Warriors (12-5) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Sunday. The Mavericks (7-8) take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Monday.
Thunder Cruise To Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 110-100, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Saturday evening.
Both teams started out strong, as the first quarter featured many lead changes and ties, however, the Thunder came out on top, with a 30-25 lead after one. Things quieted down in the second, as the Thunder and the Suns both had trouble scoring the ball. They matched each other for 17 points each in the quarter, resulting in a, 47-42, Thunder lead at the half. The Thunder pulled away in the third, as they pushed their lead to 12, just three and a half minutes into the quarter. They outscored the Suns, 32-23, in the quarter, to take a 79-65 lead into the final frame. The Suns put up a fight in the fourth, but ultimately could hardly make a dent in the deficit, as the Thunder cruised to their third straight win.
Paul George led the Thunder with 32 points, 11 rebounds, three steals, three blocks and two assists, in 39 minutes. Steven Adams followed up with 26 points, 10 rebounds and one steal, while Dennis Schroder tallied 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four steals. The Thunder shot 45 percent from the field, including 7-of-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, T.J. Warren led the Suns with 23 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block, in 40 minutes. Devin Booker had a solid night, with 18 points, 11 assists and four rebounds, while Deandre Ayton tallied 19 points, nine rebounds, an assist and a steal. The Suns shot 45 percent from the field, including 12-of-29 from long range.
The Suns (3-12) will look to bounce back as they visit Philadelphia to take on the 76ers on Monday. The Thunder (10-5) head to Sacramento to face the Kings on Monday.
Both teams started out strong, as the first quarter featured many lead changes and ties, however, the Thunder came out on top, with a 30-25 lead after one. Things quieted down in the second, as the Thunder and the Suns both had trouble scoring the ball. They matched each other for 17 points each in the quarter, resulting in a, 47-42, Thunder lead at the half. The Thunder pulled away in the third, as they pushed their lead to 12, just three and a half minutes into the quarter. They outscored the Suns, 32-23, in the quarter, to take a 79-65 lead into the final frame. The Suns put up a fight in the fourth, but ultimately could hardly make a dent in the deficit, as the Thunder cruised to their third straight win.
Paul George led the Thunder with 32 points, 11 rebounds, three steals, three blocks and two assists, in 39 minutes. Steven Adams followed up with 26 points, 10 rebounds and one steal, while Dennis Schroder tallied 15 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four steals. The Thunder shot 45 percent from the field, including 7-of-24 from deep.
Meanwhile, T.J. Warren led the Suns with 23 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block, in 40 minutes. Devin Booker had a solid night, with 18 points, 11 assists and four rebounds, while Deandre Ayton tallied 19 points, nine rebounds, an assist and a steal. The Suns shot 45 percent from the field, including 12-of-29 from long range.
The Suns (3-12) will look to bounce back as they visit Philadelphia to take on the 76ers on Monday. The Thunder (10-5) head to Sacramento to face the Kings on Monday.