Magic Strong Start Pays Off In Win Over Nets
The Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 128-118, on Friday afternoon in Orlando.
The Magic (30-35) and the Nets (30-34) played a pivotal contest in the race for the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, and Brooklyn got off to a stronger start following a 39-36 first quarter in which they led by as much as eight points. Orlando bounced back quickly, however, and they grabbed the lead midway through the second quarter only to hold tightly onto it until the end of the game. The Magic jumped out to an 11-point lead at the break, and they pushed that advantage even further following a 41-23 third quarter. With the Magic up by 39 points entering the fourth, the Nets were not able to complete what would've been a miraculous comeback despite winning the fourth quarter by a 36-17 score. Orlando sealed the win rather comfortably by a 128-118 score.
Evan Fournier led the Magic with 24 points and five assists, while Nikola Vucevic posted a strong performance with 22 points, seven rebounds and five dimes. Markelle Fultz notched a team-high six assists coming off the bench, and he also scored eight points while grabbing two boards in 19 minutes. Aaron Gordon posted a double-double with 10 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, and D.J. Augustin delivered 11 points as the starting point guard.
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot was the top scorer for the Nets, finishing with 24 points while shooting an impressive 8-of-12 from the field. Caris LeVert chipped in with 17 points and seven assists, but he shot just 7-of-17 from the field. Jarrett Allen chipped in with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists as the starting center. Joe Harris added 14 points while shooting 6-for-11 from the field.
The Magic (30-35) and the Nets (30-34) played a pivotal contest in the race for the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, and Brooklyn got off to a stronger start following a 39-36 first quarter in which they led by as much as eight points. Orlando bounced back quickly, however, and they grabbed the lead midway through the second quarter only to hold tightly onto it until the end of the game. The Magic jumped out to an 11-point lead at the break, and they pushed that advantage even further following a 41-23 third quarter. With the Magic up by 39 points entering the fourth, the Nets were not able to complete what would've been a miraculous comeback despite winning the fourth quarter by a 36-17 score. Orlando sealed the win rather comfortably by a 128-118 score.
Evan Fournier led the Magic with 24 points and five assists, while Nikola Vucevic posted a strong performance with 22 points, seven rebounds and five dimes. Markelle Fultz notched a team-high six assists coming off the bench, and he also scored eight points while grabbing two boards in 19 minutes. Aaron Gordon posted a double-double with 10 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, and D.J. Augustin delivered 11 points as the starting point guard.
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot was the top scorer for the Nets, finishing with 24 points while shooting an impressive 8-of-12 from the field. Caris LeVert chipped in with 17 points and seven assists, but he shot just 7-of-17 from the field. Jarrett Allen chipped in with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists as the starting center. Joe Harris added 14 points while shooting 6-for-11 from the field.
Trail Blazers Outlast Grizzlies in OT, 140-135
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in overtime, 140-135, in an NBA restart scrimmage for both clubs in Orlando on Friday afternoon.
The Trail Blazers (30-37) came into the league's restart with sole mission of making up the ground between them and the No. 8-seeded Grizzlies (32-34), and they got off to a fast start in that regard by forging a 68-60 halftime lead in a fast-paced first half. However, Memphis managed to wipe out their deficit and actually build a three-point edge going into the fourth quarter, when Carmelo Anthony completed a comeback with a three-point bucket at the 37.5-second mark. In overtime, an 11-0 run by Portland over the first 2:29 allowed them to establish a dominant advantage, although the contest wasn't decided until Anthony drained a pair of key free throws with 12.3 seconds remaining.
Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 33 points, adding three rebounds, one steal and one block. Ja Morant forged a 22-point, 11-assist double-double that also included five rebounds and one steal. Brandon Clarke followed with 21 points and also provided seven boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas recorded 16 points, four boards and one assist. Dillon Brooks supplied 15 points, four boards, four assists, one block and one steal.
C.J. McCollum paced the Trail Blazers with 33 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Damian Lillard registered 29 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Anthony finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic started and totaled 18 points, nine boards, five assists, six blocks and two steals. Gary Trent, Jr. managed 17 points in 26 minutes off the bench.
The Grizzlies and Trail Blazers both return to the court Sunday afternoon, with Memphis facing off against the San Antonio Spurs and Portland battling the Boston Celtics.
The Trail Blazers (30-37) came into the league's restart with sole mission of making up the ground between them and the No. 8-seeded Grizzlies (32-34), and they got off to a fast start in that regard by forging a 68-60 halftime lead in a fast-paced first half. However, Memphis managed to wipe out their deficit and actually build a three-point edge going into the fourth quarter, when Carmelo Anthony completed a comeback with a three-point bucket at the 37.5-second mark. In overtime, an 11-0 run by Portland over the first 2:29 allowed them to establish a dominant advantage, although the contest wasn't decided until Anthony drained a pair of key free throws with 12.3 seconds remaining.
Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with 33 points, adding three rebounds, one steal and one block. Ja Morant forged a 22-point, 11-assist double-double that also included five rebounds and one steal. Brandon Clarke followed with 21 points and also provided seven boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Jonas Valanciunas recorded 16 points, four boards and one assist. Dillon Brooks supplied 15 points, four boards, four assists, one block and one steal.
C.J. McCollum paced the Trail Blazers with 33 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and two steals. Damian Lillard registered 29 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Anthony finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic started and totaled 18 points, nine boards, five assists, six blocks and two steals. Gary Trent, Jr. managed 17 points in 26 minutes off the bench.
The Grizzlies and Trail Blazers both return to the court Sunday afternoon, with Memphis facing off against the San Antonio Spurs and Portland battling the Boston Celtics.
Suns Top Shorthanded Wizards
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Washington Wizards, 125-112, on Friday at Orlando.
The contest got out to a competitive start but the Suns pulled away towards the end of the first, to take a seven-point lead into the second. The Wizards pushed back and took a slight edge near the mid point of the second quarter, but the Suns closed the quarter on a, 21-6, run, to take a 15-point lead into halftime. The Suns maintained their advantage through the third quarter, but the Wizards managed to trim the deficit to eight, heading into the final frame. The Suns pushed their lead back to double digits early in the fourth and held the cushion the rest of the way.
Devin Booker led Phoenix with 27 points on 8-of-21 shooting, in 36 minutes of action. Deandre Ayton added 24 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Dario Saric added 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 27 minutes off the bench. The Suns shot 52 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura led the Wizards with 21 points and eight rebounds, in 30 minutes. Jerome Robinson added 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting, off the bench. Ish Smith finished with 17 points, seven assists and four rebounds, in 27 minutes off the bench. The Wizards shot 46 percent from the field, including 8-of-22 from deep.
The Wizards next contest will be on Sunday, against the Nets. The Suns also will be back in action on Sunday, as they take on the Mavs.
The contest got out to a competitive start but the Suns pulled away towards the end of the first, to take a seven-point lead into the second. The Wizards pushed back and took a slight edge near the mid point of the second quarter, but the Suns closed the quarter on a, 21-6, run, to take a 15-point lead into halftime. The Suns maintained their advantage through the third quarter, but the Wizards managed to trim the deficit to eight, heading into the final frame. The Suns pushed their lead back to double digits early in the fourth and held the cushion the rest of the way.
Devin Booker led Phoenix with 27 points on 8-of-21 shooting, in 36 minutes of action. Deandre Ayton added 24 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Dario Saric added 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 27 minutes off the bench. The Suns shot 52 percent from the field, including 11-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura led the Wizards with 21 points and eight rebounds, in 30 minutes. Jerome Robinson added 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting, off the bench. Ish Smith finished with 17 points, seven assists and four rebounds, in 27 minutes off the bench. The Wizards shot 46 percent from the field, including 8-of-22 from deep.
The Wizards next contest will be on Sunday, against the Nets. The Suns also will be back in action on Sunday, as they take on the Mavs.
Bucks Outlast Celtics
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Boston Celtics, 119-112, on Friday at Orlando.
The Bucks jumped out to a quick, 17-2, lead, but the Celtics managed to cut it to an eight point game by the end of the first quarter. The Bucks maintained the upper hand through the second, but the Celtics kept up the effort and made it a six-point game by halftime. They came out strong in the third and tied the game at 87, heading into the final frame, but the Bucks responded by opening the fourth with a 9-2 run, to regain command. The Celtics fought back once again, and tied it up at 107, with two minutes to go in the contest, but the Bucks came up clutch down the stretch with a, 6-0, run and good composure to seal the win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 36 points, 15 rebounds seven assists, a steal and a block, in 32 minutes of action. Khris Middleton followed up with 18 points, eight assists, five rebounds and a steal, while Brook Lopez added 14 points, six blocks and four rebounds. The Bucks shot 46 percent from the field, including 13-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Marcus Smart led the Celtics with 23 points, four rebounds and a steal. Jaylen Brown added 22 points and four rebounds, while Gordon Hayward totaled 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists. The Celtics shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from long range. The Celtics shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from long range.
The Celtics will be back in action on Sunday, against the Trail Blazers, while the Bucks take on the Rockets on Sunday.
The Bucks jumped out to a quick, 17-2, lead, but the Celtics managed to cut it to an eight point game by the end of the first quarter. The Bucks maintained the upper hand through the second, but the Celtics kept up the effort and made it a six-point game by halftime. They came out strong in the third and tied the game at 87, heading into the final frame, but the Bucks responded by opening the fourth with a 9-2 run, to regain command. The Celtics fought back once again, and tied it up at 107, with two minutes to go in the contest, but the Bucks came up clutch down the stretch with a, 6-0, run and good composure to seal the win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 36 points, 15 rebounds seven assists, a steal and a block, in 32 minutes of action. Khris Middleton followed up with 18 points, eight assists, five rebounds and a steal, while Brook Lopez added 14 points, six blocks and four rebounds. The Bucks shot 46 percent from the field, including 13-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Marcus Smart led the Celtics with 23 points, four rebounds and a steal. Jaylen Brown added 22 points and four rebounds, while Gordon Hayward totaled 17 points, nine rebounds and six assists. The Celtics shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from long range. The Celtics shot 41 percent from the field, including 11-of-37 from long range.
The Celtics will be back in action on Sunday, against the Trail Blazers, while the Bucks take on the Rockets on Sunday.
Spurs Defeat Kings, 129-120
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Sacramento Kings, 129-120, in Orlando on Friday.
A 19-0 run in the first quarter was the key moment for San Antonio in this game, riding a 43-30 first quarter to their victory. Sacramento was able to tie and recapture the lead a bunch of times but San Antonio led for all but a handful of minutes. With all that said, there were 10 ties and 17 lead changes in total. The Spurs ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 48 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. In addition, San Antonio out-assisted Sacramento, 32-22.
The Kings (28-36) got a career-high 39 points from De'Aaron Fox, who also tallied three rebounds and six assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic totaled 24 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Buddy Hield had a game to forget, going just 2-of-13 from the field to finish with six points. Kent Bazemore provided eight points, 11 rebounds and five assists off the bench.
The Spurs (27-36) were led by DeMar DeRozan, finishing with 27 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. Derrick White generated 26 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Lonnie Walker IV started and accrued 16 points, three rebounds and four assists. Rudy Gay led the bench with 19 points and eight rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Sacramento facing the Orlando Magic and San Antonio playing the Memphis Grizzlies.
A 19-0 run in the first quarter was the key moment for San Antonio in this game, riding a 43-30 first quarter to their victory. Sacramento was able to tie and recapture the lead a bunch of times but San Antonio led for all but a handful of minutes. With all that said, there were 10 ties and 17 lead changes in total. The Spurs ended up shooting 53 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Kings to 48 percent from the field and 32 percent from long range. In addition, San Antonio out-assisted Sacramento, 32-22.
The Kings (28-36) got a career-high 39 points from De'Aaron Fox, who also tallied three rebounds and six assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic totaled 24 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Buddy Hield had a game to forget, going just 2-of-13 from the field to finish with six points. Kent Bazemore provided eight points, 11 rebounds and five assists off the bench.
The Spurs (27-36) were led by DeMar DeRozan, finishing with 27 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. Derrick White generated 26 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Lonnie Walker IV started and accrued 16 points, three rebounds and four assists. Rudy Gay led the bench with 19 points and eight rebounds.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Sacramento facing the Orlando Magic and San Antonio playing the Memphis Grizzlies.
Rockets Defeat Mavericks in OT,153-149
The Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks in OT, 153-149, in Orlando on Friday.
While there were only eight ties and seven lead changes in this game, it took an overtime session to determine a winner. A 9-0 run near the end of the fourth quarter got the game into overtime for Houston and they then finished the extra session on a 14-6 run to prevail. Houston ended up shooting 52 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range. They also recorded 12 steals and 10 blocks, winning the turnover battle, 20-9. The two clubs combined for 206 shot attempts.
The Rockets (41-24) were led by James Harden, finishing with 49 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, three steals and three blocks. Russell Westbrook generated 31 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Danuel House Jr. totaled 20 points, five rebounds and two assists while Robert Covington amassed 13 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and four blocks.
The Mavericks (40-28) got a triple-double from Luka Doncic, collecting 28 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. With that said, he shot just 11-of-27 from the field while committing eight turnovers and fouling out. Kristaps Porzingis was their best player, tallying 39 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Trey Burke came off the bench to provide 31 points and six assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 24 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Both teams will return to action on Sunday, with Houston facing the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas playing the Phoenix Suns.
While there were only eight ties and seven lead changes in this game, it took an overtime session to determine a winner. A 9-0 run near the end of the fourth quarter got the game into overtime for Houston and they then finished the extra session on a 14-6 run to prevail. Houston ended up shooting 52 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range. They also recorded 12 steals and 10 blocks, winning the turnover battle, 20-9. The two clubs combined for 206 shot attempts.
The Rockets (41-24) were led by James Harden, finishing with 49 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, three steals and three blocks. Russell Westbrook generated 31 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Danuel House Jr. totaled 20 points, five rebounds and two assists while Robert Covington amassed 13 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and four blocks.
The Mavericks (40-28) got a triple-double from Luka Doncic, collecting 28 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists. With that said, he shot just 11-of-27 from the field while committing eight turnovers and fouling out. Kristaps Porzingis was their best player, tallying 39 points, 16 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Trey Burke came off the bench to provide 31 points and six assists. Tim Hardaway Jr had 24 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Both teams will return to action on Sunday, with Houston facing the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas playing the Phoenix Suns.