Celtics Outlast Grizzlies, 122-116
The Boston Celtics defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 122-116, at TD Garden on Friday evening.
The Celtics (27-18) haven't been exactly been the most consistent team in the NBA this season, but at least they've been mostly reliable on their home court. Boston owned a 16-5 record at TD Garden coming into Friday, and accordingly, they got off to a fast start against the Grizzlies (19-26) by forging a 35-24 first-quarter lead. However, Memphis flipped the script in the second to the extent they entered halftime with a 62-58 advantage. The home squad then responded by eliminating their deficit in the third and carrying a five-point edge into the final period. The visitors would get as close as 106-104 with 4:53 remaining, but the Celtics never relinquished the lead and hung on.
Mike Conley led the way for the Grizzlies with 26 points, adding four assists. Jaren Jackson, Jr. totaled 23 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Shelvin Mack tallied 15 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Justin Holiday supplied 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and four steals. JaMychal Green and Omri Casspi managed matching 12-point tallies while providing two and four rebounds, respectively.
Kyrie Irving paced the Celtics with 38 points, adding 11 assists, seven rebounds and one block. Marcus Smart went for 20 points, six boards, three assists, three steals and one block. Al Horford posted 18 points, three rebounds and one assist. Jaylen Brown led the bench with 12 points while also registering six boards, one assist and two steals. Terry Rozier generated 10 points, four dimes and one rebound.
The Grizzlies remain on the road and take on the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, while the Celtics hit the road and visit the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday evening as well.
The Celtics (27-18) haven't been exactly been the most consistent team in the NBA this season, but at least they've been mostly reliable on their home court. Boston owned a 16-5 record at TD Garden coming into Friday, and accordingly, they got off to a fast start against the Grizzlies (19-26) by forging a 35-24 first-quarter lead. However, Memphis flipped the script in the second to the extent they entered halftime with a 62-58 advantage. The home squad then responded by eliminating their deficit in the third and carrying a five-point edge into the final period. The visitors would get as close as 106-104 with 4:53 remaining, but the Celtics never relinquished the lead and hung on.
Mike Conley led the way for the Grizzlies with 26 points, adding four assists. Jaren Jackson, Jr. totaled 23 points, four rebounds, one assist and one block. Shelvin Mack tallied 15 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Justin Holiday supplied 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and four steals. JaMychal Green and Omri Casspi managed matching 12-point tallies while providing two and four rebounds, respectively.
Kyrie Irving paced the Celtics with 38 points, adding 11 assists, seven rebounds and one block. Marcus Smart went for 20 points, six boards, three assists, three steals and one block. Al Horford posted 18 points, three rebounds and one assist. Jaylen Brown led the bench with 12 points while also registering six boards, one assist and two steals. Terry Rozier generated 10 points, four dimes and one rebound.
The Grizzlies remain on the road and take on the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night, while the Celtics hit the road and visit the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday evening as well.
Pistons Hold Off Heat, 98-93
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Miami Heat, 98-93, at Little Caesars Arena on Friday evening.
The Pistons (20-24) got out to a start befitting a team with a much better record, as they owned a 30-17 lead after one quarter. However, the Heat (21-22) obliterated their 14-point halftime deficit in the third quarter, trampling Detroit to the tune of a 30-12 advantage during the period and entering the fourth-quarter with an improbable four-point lead. The final minutes were a back-and-forth affair that saw Miami lose their advantage. While they were within one as late as the 19.8 second-mark of the fourth quarter, a pair of free throws apiece by Reggie Jackson and Blake Griffin sealed the hard-fought victory. Andre Drummond's exit after seven minutes due to a nasal injury also made things considerably more challenging for the Pistons.
Dwyane Wade led the way for the Heat with 20 points, adding eight assists and four rebounds. Tyler Johnson supplied 16 points, five rebounds, three dimes and one block. Justise Winslow supplied 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Rodney McGruder managed 11 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo pitched in nine points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Hassan Whiteside mustered just eight points but hauled in 10 rebounds.
Griffin paced the Pistons with 32 points and supplemented them with 11 rebounds, nine assists and one steal. Luke Kennard furnished 22 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Reggie Bullock poured in 19 points. Stanley Johnson delivered 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jackson contributed nine points, five boards and two assists.
The Heat remains on the road and takes on the Chicago Bulls on Saturday evening, while the Pistons remain home and take on the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.
The Pistons (20-24) got out to a start befitting a team with a much better record, as they owned a 30-17 lead after one quarter. However, the Heat (21-22) obliterated their 14-point halftime deficit in the third quarter, trampling Detroit to the tune of a 30-12 advantage during the period and entering the fourth-quarter with an improbable four-point lead. The final minutes were a back-and-forth affair that saw Miami lose their advantage. While they were within one as late as the 19.8 second-mark of the fourth quarter, a pair of free throws apiece by Reggie Jackson and Blake Griffin sealed the hard-fought victory. Andre Drummond's exit after seven minutes due to a nasal injury also made things considerably more challenging for the Pistons.
Dwyane Wade led the way for the Heat with 20 points, adding eight assists and four rebounds. Tyler Johnson supplied 16 points, five rebounds, three dimes and one block. Justise Winslow supplied 15 points, nine rebounds, two assists and one steal. Rodney McGruder managed 11 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo pitched in nine points, six rebounds, one assist and one block. Hassan Whiteside mustered just eight points but hauled in 10 rebounds.
Griffin paced the Pistons with 32 points and supplemented them with 11 rebounds, nine assists and one steal. Luke Kennard furnished 22 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Reggie Bullock poured in 19 points. Stanley Johnson delivered 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Jackson contributed nine points, five boards and two assists.
The Heat remains on the road and takes on the Chicago Bulls on Saturday evening, while the Pistons remain home and take on the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night.
Nets Comeback to Defeat Magic, 117-115
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the host Orlando Magic, 117-115, at Amway Center on Friday.
Orlando looked well in control when they led by 21 points late in the second quarter but they collapsed in the second half. In fact, Brooklyn outscored Orlando, 63-48, in the second half. The Nets only led this game for three minutes, as both their leads came in the opening minute and the final two minutes. Three-point shooting was the difference, with the Nets hitting 19-of-46 and the Magic connecting on just 10-of-26. Brooklyn's bench was also huge, as they outscored Orlando's bench, 52-34.
The Nets (24-23) got a spectacular performance from D'Angelo Russell, as he led all scorers with 40 points, two rebounds and seven assists on 16-of-25 from the field. Joe Harris totaled 11 points and four assists. Spencer Dinwiddie led the bench with 20 points, two rebounds and two assists. Shabazz Napier also played well off the bench, providing 12 points, four rebounds and four assists,
The Magic (19-26) were led by Aaron Gordon, as he tallied 23 points, four rebounds and five assists. D.J. Augustin amassed 17 points and four assists. Nikola Vucevic collected 16 points, 17 rebounds and six assists while Evan Fournier accumulated 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and four steals.
On deck for Orlando is a home matchup versus the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. As for Brooklyn, they play host to the Sacramento Kings on Monday for their next fixture.
Orlando looked well in control when they led by 21 points late in the second quarter but they collapsed in the second half. In fact, Brooklyn outscored Orlando, 63-48, in the second half. The Nets only led this game for three minutes, as both their leads came in the opening minute and the final two minutes. Three-point shooting was the difference, with the Nets hitting 19-of-46 and the Magic connecting on just 10-of-26. Brooklyn's bench was also huge, as they outscored Orlando's bench, 52-34.
The Nets (24-23) got a spectacular performance from D'Angelo Russell, as he led all scorers with 40 points, two rebounds and seven assists on 16-of-25 from the field. Joe Harris totaled 11 points and four assists. Spencer Dinwiddie led the bench with 20 points, two rebounds and two assists. Shabazz Napier also played well off the bench, providing 12 points, four rebounds and four assists,
The Magic (19-26) were led by Aaron Gordon, as he tallied 23 points, four rebounds and five assists. D.J. Augustin amassed 17 points and four assists. Nikola Vucevic collected 16 points, 17 rebounds and six assists while Evan Fournier accumulated 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and four steals.
On deck for Orlando is a home matchup versus the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. As for Brooklyn, they play host to the Sacramento Kings on Monday for their next fixture.
Spurs Defeat T'Wolves, 116-113
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 116-113, at Target Center on Friday.
In one of the most competitive games of the season, neither of these clubs led by more than 10 points. In fact, there were 17 ties and 27 lead changes in total, as it was within a five-point margin for all but a few minutes. San Antonio's offense was critical, as they shot 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while Minnesota hit just 44 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range.
The Spurs (27-20) were led by LaMarcus Aldridge, as he tallied 25 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Rudy Gay finished with 22 points, four rebounds and five assists. Derrick White accrued 15 points, six rebounds and three assists while Marco Belinelli led the bench with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Timberwolves (21-24) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns, as he totaled 23 points and six rebounds in 23 foul-troubled minutes. Derrick Rose matched those 23 points, adding three rebounds and six assists off the bench. Andrew Wiggins amassed 17 points and five boards while Taj Gibson accumulated 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with San Antonio playing host to the Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota welcoming the struggling Phoenix Suns to AT&T Center.
In one of the most competitive games of the season, neither of these clubs led by more than 10 points. In fact, there were 17 ties and 27 lead changes in total, as it was within a five-point margin for all but a few minutes. San Antonio's offense was critical, as they shot 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while Minnesota hit just 44 percent from the field and 27 percent from long range.
The Spurs (27-20) were led by LaMarcus Aldridge, as he tallied 25 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Rudy Gay finished with 22 points, four rebounds and five assists. Derrick White accrued 15 points, six rebounds and three assists while Marco Belinelli led the bench with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Timberwolves (21-24) were led by Karl-Anthony Towns, as he totaled 23 points and six rebounds in 23 foul-troubled minutes. Derrick Rose matched those 23 points, adding three rebounds and six assists off the bench. Andrew Wiggins amassed 17 points and five boards while Taj Gibson accumulated 14 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with San Antonio playing host to the Los Angeles Clippers and Minnesota welcoming the struggling Phoenix Suns to AT&T Center.
Jazz Roll Cavaliers, 115-99
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 115-99, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday.
Utah came into this game as a sizable favorite and this final scoreline shows just why. In fact, the Jazz led by nine points after the first quarter, by 24 points at the half, and by 33 points heading into the fourth quarter. The shooting disparity was key, with Utah connecting on 52 percent from the field, 35 percent from three-point range and 93 percent from the free-throw line while Cleveland hit just 41 percent from the field, 29 percent from long range and 77 percent from the charity stripe. The Jazz also out-rebounded the Cavaliers, 48-37, while out-assisting them, 33-16. Utah did a ton of their damage down low, outscoring Cleveland in the paint, 60-44.
The Cavaliers (9-37) were led by Ante Zizic, as he amassed 15 points and 10 rebounds. Collin Sexton accrued 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Cameron Payne led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. Jordan Clarkson also played well off the bench, providing 13 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Jazz (26-21) were led by Donovan Mitchell, as he tallied 24 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Rudy Gobert collected 19 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Royce O'Neale accumulated 16 points, 11 rebounds and five assists while Derrick Favors amassed 12 points and 10 boards.
On deck for Cleveland is a road matchup versus the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. As for Utah, they return to action on Monday when they play host to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Utah came into this game as a sizable favorite and this final scoreline shows just why. In fact, the Jazz led by nine points after the first quarter, by 24 points at the half, and by 33 points heading into the fourth quarter. The shooting disparity was key, with Utah connecting on 52 percent from the field, 35 percent from three-point range and 93 percent from the free-throw line while Cleveland hit just 41 percent from the field, 29 percent from long range and 77 percent from the charity stripe. The Jazz also out-rebounded the Cavaliers, 48-37, while out-assisting them, 33-16. Utah did a ton of their damage down low, outscoring Cleveland in the paint, 60-44.
The Cavaliers (9-37) were led by Ante Zizic, as he amassed 15 points and 10 rebounds. Collin Sexton accrued 15 points, four rebounds and two assists. Cameron Payne led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. Jordan Clarkson also played well off the bench, providing 13 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Jazz (26-21) were led by Donovan Mitchell, as he tallied 24 points, two rebounds, four assists and two steals. Rudy Gobert collected 19 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Royce O'Neale accumulated 16 points, 11 rebounds and five assists while Derrick Favors amassed 12 points and 10 boards.
On deck for Cleveland is a road matchup versus the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. As for Utah, they return to action on Monday when they play host to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Warriors Shine In Seventh Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 112-94, at Staples Center on Friday evening.
The Warriors took the early advantage on the road, with a 28-25 lead after one quarter. However, the Clippers stayed with it and cut the deficit to just one, as they trailed 52-51 at the half. The Warriors regained control through the third, where they outscored the Clippers by eight, to take a nine-point lead into the fourth. They maintained the upper hand through the final quarter, outscoring the Clippers by nine, to walk away with their seventh straight win.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 28 points on 10-of-19 shooting, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block, in 33 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, while DeMarcus Cousins tallied 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block, in 15 minutes of action.
Meanwhile, Tobias Harris led the Clippers with 28 points, nine rebounds and two assists, in 35 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander followed up with 24 points, five assists, three rebounds and three steals, while Marcin Gortat chipped in six points and four rebounds. Lou Williams (hamstring) did not play.
The Clippers (24-21) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Sunday. The Warriors (32-14) take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on Monday.
The Warriors took the early advantage on the road, with a 28-25 lead after one quarter. However, the Clippers stayed with it and cut the deficit to just one, as they trailed 52-51 at the half. The Warriors regained control through the third, where they outscored the Clippers by eight, to take a nine-point lead into the fourth. They maintained the upper hand through the final quarter, outscoring the Clippers by nine, to walk away with their seventh straight win.
Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 28 points on 10-of-19 shooting, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block, in 33 minutes. Kevin Durant followed up with 24 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, while DeMarcus Cousins tallied 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block, in 15 minutes of action.
Meanwhile, Tobias Harris led the Clippers with 28 points, nine rebounds and two assists, in 35 minutes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander followed up with 24 points, five assists, three rebounds and three steals, while Marcin Gortat chipped in six points and four rebounds. Lou Williams (hamstring) did not play.
The Clippers (24-21) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Sunday. The Warriors (32-14) take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on Monday.
Trail Blazers Confident In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 128-112, at Moda Center on Friday evening.
The Trail Blazers got out to a favorable start at home, with a 32-29 lead after one quarter. They carried the momentum into the second, where they outscored the visitors by 13 points, to take a 74-58 lead into halftime. The Pelicans battled through the third, but could not gain ground, as they trailed by more than 20 in the quarter before clawing back to trail by 18 heading into the final frame. The Trail Blazers were able to maintain a significant cushion through the fourth and held on for their second straight win.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 24 points, eight assists, five rebounds and one steal, in 36 minutes. C.J. McCollum followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Jusuf Nurkic tallied 15 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. The Trail Blazers shot 47 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with 27 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal, in 35 minutes. Jrue Holiday followed up with 20 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal, while Julius Randle finished with 19 points nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. The Pelicans shot 49 percent from the field, including 8-of-25 from long range.
The Pelicans (21-25) will look to avoid a second straight loss, as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Monday. The Trail Blazers (28-19) take on the Jazz in Utah on Monday.
The Trail Blazers got out to a favorable start at home, with a 32-29 lead after one quarter. They carried the momentum into the second, where they outscored the visitors by 13 points, to take a 74-58 lead into halftime. The Pelicans battled through the third, but could not gain ground, as they trailed by more than 20 in the quarter before clawing back to trail by 18 heading into the final frame. The Trail Blazers were able to maintain a significant cushion through the fourth and held on for their second straight win.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 24 points, eight assists, five rebounds and one steal, in 36 minutes. C.J. McCollum followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Jusuf Nurkic tallied 15 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. The Trail Blazers shot 47 percent from the field, including 11-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis led the Pelicans with 27 points, seven rebounds, two assists and one steal, in 35 minutes. Jrue Holiday followed up with 20 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal, while Julius Randle finished with 19 points nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. The Pelicans shot 49 percent from the field, including 8-of-25 from long range.
The Pelicans (21-25) will look to avoid a second straight loss, as they take on the Grizzlies in Memphis on Monday. The Trail Blazers (28-19) take on the Jazz in Utah on Monday.