Bucks Rally, Secure Win Over Clippers
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 105-100, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday afternoon.
The Bucks (21-13) and the Clippers (24-12) played a tight contest that went down to the wire until the final seconds. The Bucks jumped out to a 27-23 lead in the first quarter and stretched that lead to four points at the break following a 26-25 score in the second quarter. The Clippers responded with a 33-24 score in the third quarter and grabbed the lead entering the final 12 minutes, but the Bucks responded with a 28-19 score in the fourth quarter. Milwaukee came from behind and secured a statement win against one of the best teams in the league. The Bucks shot 44.7 percent from the field while the Clippers shot only 41.2 percent from the field in the loss.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with 36 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, while Khris Middleton chipped in with 19 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo had 11 points, while Brook Lopez ended with 10 points.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Serge Ibaka had 15 points with 11 rebounds. Paul George ended with 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Lou Williams added 14 points off the bench and Marcus Morris chipped in with 11 points and five boards as well.
The Bucks (21-13) and the Clippers (24-12) played a tight contest that went down to the wire until the final seconds. The Bucks jumped out to a 27-23 lead in the first quarter and stretched that lead to four points at the break following a 26-25 score in the second quarter. The Clippers responded with a 33-24 score in the third quarter and grabbed the lead entering the final 12 minutes, but the Bucks responded with a 28-19 score in the fourth quarter. Milwaukee came from behind and secured a statement win against one of the best teams in the league. The Bucks shot 44.7 percent from the field while the Clippers shot only 41.2 percent from the field in the loss.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks with 36 points, 14 rebounds and five assists, while Khris Middleton chipped in with 19 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo had 11 points, while Brook Lopez ended with 10 points.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Serge Ibaka had 15 points with 11 rebounds. Paul George ended with 16 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Lou Williams added 14 points off the bench and Marcus Morris chipped in with 11 points and five boards as well.
Celtics Edge Wizards, 111-110
The Boston Celtics defeated the Washington Wizards, 111-110, at TD Garden on Sunday night.
The Celtics (16-17) came in looking to notch an increasingly rare second consecutive win, and they found out earlier in the day they'd have to try and accomplish that goal without Jaylen Brown (knee). However, Boston was in fine form in the first half, building a five-point lead through one quarter that they still held at halftime. However, the Wizards (13-19) were able to shave two points from their deficit during the third quarter, and they eventually took as much as an eight-point lead with 2:56 remaining. However, the home squad managed to finish on a 13-4 run from that point forward, with Jayson Tatum draining the winning basket with just 4.7 seconds left.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 46 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Russell Westbrook, playing in a rare back-to-back set, totaled 24 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Davis Bertans supplied 20 points, two rebounds and two assists. Robin Lopez registered 10 points, three boards, one assist and one block.
Tatum paced the Celtics with 31 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Kemba Walker delivered 21 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Daniel Theis compiled 20 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Javonte Green drew the start for Brown and posted eight points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Wizards head back home to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, while the Celtics remain home and tangle with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night as well.
The Celtics (16-17) came in looking to notch an increasingly rare second consecutive win, and they found out earlier in the day they'd have to try and accomplish that goal without Jaylen Brown (knee). However, Boston was in fine form in the first half, building a five-point lead through one quarter that they still held at halftime. However, the Wizards (13-19) were able to shave two points from their deficit during the third quarter, and they eventually took as much as an eight-point lead with 2:56 remaining. However, the home squad managed to finish on a 13-4 run from that point forward, with Jayson Tatum draining the winning basket with just 4.7 seconds left.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 46 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Russell Westbrook, playing in a rare back-to-back set, totaled 24 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Davis Bertans supplied 20 points, two rebounds and two assists. Robin Lopez registered 10 points, three boards, one assist and one block.
Tatum paced the Celtics with 31 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Kemba Walker delivered 21 points, eight assists, five rebounds and two steals. Daniel Theis compiled 20 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal. Javonte Green drew the start for Brown and posted eight points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Wizards head back home to face the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, while the Celtics remain home and tangle with the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night as well.
Bulls-Raptors Postponed Sunday
The game between the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors scheduled for Sunday night at Amalie Arena was postponed and will be played at a later date to be determined.
Knicks Throttle Pistons, 109-90
The New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons, 109-90, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday night.
The Knicks (18-17) entered the contest looking to achieve the coveted goal of getting above .500, and they got off to a strong start in that regard by building a five-point lead through the first quarter. New York then outscored the Pistons (9-25) by a 58-44 margin over the second and third quarters, giving them an insurmountable advantage the rest of the way. The home team was excellent on both ends of the floor, shooting 51.2 percent, including 50.0 percent from three-point range, while limiting Detroit to 38.4 percent shooting overall.
Julius Randle paced the Knicks with 25 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. RJ Barrett furnished 21 points, five boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Alec Burks delivered 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Derrick Rose tallied 14 points, five assists, three rebounds and two blocks. Immanuel Quickley supplied 12 points and two boards.
Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 21 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds and one steal. Wayne Ellington poured in 15 points, while Josh Jackson delivered 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Saddiq Bey managed 10 points and five boards. Mason Plumlee and Saben Lee generated matching nine-point tallies while pulling down five rebounds and dishing out four assists, respectively.
The Pistons remain on the road and are scheduled to tangle with the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night if all COVID-19 protocols are cleared, while the Knicks visit the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night as well.
The Knicks (18-17) entered the contest looking to achieve the coveted goal of getting above .500, and they got off to a strong start in that regard by building a five-point lead through the first quarter. New York then outscored the Pistons (9-25) by a 58-44 margin over the second and third quarters, giving them an insurmountable advantage the rest of the way. The home team was excellent on both ends of the floor, shooting 51.2 percent, including 50.0 percent from three-point range, while limiting Detroit to 38.4 percent shooting overall.
Julius Randle paced the Knicks with 25 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. RJ Barrett furnished 21 points, five boards, three assists, one steal and one block. Alec Burks delivered 16 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Derrick Rose tallied 14 points, five assists, three rebounds and two blocks. Immanuel Quickley supplied 12 points and two boards.
Jerami Grant led the Pistons with 21 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds and one steal. Wayne Ellington poured in 15 points, while Josh Jackson delivered 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Saddiq Bey managed 10 points and five boards. Mason Plumlee and Saben Lee generated matching nine-point tallies while pulling down five rebounds and dishing out four assists, respectively.
The Pistons remain on the road and are scheduled to tangle with the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night if all COVID-19 protocols are cleared, while the Knicks visit the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night as well.
Grizzlies Dominant In Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Houston Rockets, 133-84, at Toyota Center on Sunday evening.
The Grizzlies got out to a good start at home and rallied to a seven-point lead after one quarter. They carried the momentum into the second, where they outscored the visitors, 38-19, to push their lead to 26, by halftime. The Rockets had no answers in the second half, as the Grizzlies kept on the gas through the third and pushed it to a 35-point game, heading into the final quarter. The Grizzlies did not settle on cruising to the finish and fought through the fourth to earn the impressive, 49-point win, resulting in the 11th straight loss for the Rockets.
The Grizzlies had seven players score in double digits, led by Justise Winslow, who finished with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, in 20 minutes off the bench. Brandon Clarke totaled 16 points, 12 rebounds and a steal, while Desmond Bane added 15 points, seven rebounds, three steals and a block. The Grizzlies shot 53 percent from the field, including 10-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, John Wall finished with 14 points on 4-of-16 shooting, while Jae'Sean Tate totaled 14 points, four rebounds, a steal and a block, to lead the Rockets. Mason Jones chipped in 12 points, five rebounds and two assists, off the bench, while Justin Patton added 10 points, five rebounds and two blocks. The Rockets shot just 27 percent from the field, including 4-of-45 from long range.
The Rockets (11-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Monday. The Grizzlies (15-15) take on the Wizards in Washington on Tuesday.
The Grizzlies got out to a good start at home and rallied to a seven-point lead after one quarter. They carried the momentum into the second, where they outscored the visitors, 38-19, to push their lead to 26, by halftime. The Rockets had no answers in the second half, as the Grizzlies kept on the gas through the third and pushed it to a 35-point game, heading into the final quarter. The Grizzlies did not settle on cruising to the finish and fought through the fourth to earn the impressive, 49-point win, resulting in the 11th straight loss for the Rockets.
The Grizzlies had seven players score in double digits, led by Justise Winslow, who finished with 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, in 20 minutes off the bench. Brandon Clarke totaled 16 points, 12 rebounds and a steal, while Desmond Bane added 15 points, seven rebounds, three steals and a block. The Grizzlies shot 53 percent from the field, including 10-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, John Wall finished with 14 points on 4-of-16 shooting, while Jae'Sean Tate totaled 14 points, four rebounds, a steal and a block, to lead the Rockets. Mason Jones chipped in 12 points, five rebounds and two assists, off the bench, while Justin Patton added 10 points, five rebounds and two blocks. The Rockets shot just 27 percent from the field, including 4-of-45 from long range.
The Rockets (11-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Cavs on Monday. The Grizzlies (15-15) take on the Wizards in Washington on Tuesday.
Lakers Crush Warriors In L.A.
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 117-91, at Staples Center on Sunday evening.
The Lakers got out to a great start at home with a, 41-21, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead to 29, by halftime. The Warriors had no answers in the third, as they kept better pace, but the Lakers still increased their advantage to 30 points, heading into the final frame. The Lakers slowed down in the fourth, where they only scored 18 points, but the Warriors were unable to make the comeback, as they saw their three-game win streak come to an end.
LeBron James led the way for the Lakers with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks, in 24 minutes of action. Kyle Kuzma totaled 12 points, 11 rebounds and a steal, while Markieff Morris added 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Lakers shot 47 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Eric Paschall was the high-point man for the Warriors, with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting, in 22 minutes off the bench. Stephen Curry followed up with 16 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals, while Kelly Oubre Jr. tallied 14 points and five rebounds. The Warriors shot 40 percent from the field, including 8-of-34 from deep.
The Warriors (19-16) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Wednesday. The Lakers (24-11) play host to the Suns on Tuesday.
The Lakers got out to a great start at home with a, 41-21, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead to 29, by halftime. The Warriors had no answers in the third, as they kept better pace, but the Lakers still increased their advantage to 30 points, heading into the final frame. The Lakers slowed down in the fourth, where they only scored 18 points, but the Warriors were unable to make the comeback, as they saw their three-game win streak come to an end.
LeBron James led the way for the Lakers with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks, in 24 minutes of action. Kyle Kuzma totaled 12 points, 11 rebounds and a steal, while Markieff Morris added 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The Lakers shot 47 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Eric Paschall was the high-point man for the Warriors, with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting, in 22 minutes off the bench. Stephen Curry followed up with 16 points, seven assists, four rebounds and three steals, while Kelly Oubre Jr. tallied 14 points and five rebounds. The Warriors shot 40 percent from the field, including 8-of-34 from deep.
The Warriors (19-16) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers in Portland on Wednesday. The Lakers (24-11) play host to the Suns on Tuesday.
Heat Defeat Hawks, 109-99
The Miami Heat defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 109-99, at American Airlines Arena on Sunday.
Miami outscored Atlanta in the first half, 54-44, leading for all but a single minute in the second half. The Hawks made it competitive behind a 33-24 third quarter but the Heat ran away with a 31-22 fourth. Miami shot 45 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range while holding Atlanta to 41 percent from the field and 23 percent from long range. In addition, the Heat recorded 27 assists to 14 turnovers while the Hawks had just 22 assists to 16 turnovers.
The Hawks (14-20) got a career-high 34 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks from John Collins, doing that damage on 13-of-21 from the field, Clint Capela totaled 20 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Trae Young went just 3-of-14 from the field to tally 15 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Kevin Huerter had 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and six steals.
The Heat (17-17) were led by Kendrick Nunn and his 24 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Bam Adebayo collected 16 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Goran Dragic generated 13 points, four rebounds and three assists while Tyler Herro and Precious Achiuwa had 14 points apiece to lead the bench.
These teams' next game will be a rematch on Tuesday against one another.
Miami outscored Atlanta in the first half, 54-44, leading for all but a single minute in the second half. The Hawks made it competitive behind a 33-24 third quarter but the Heat ran away with a 31-22 fourth. Miami shot 45 percent from the field and 30 percent from three-point range while holding Atlanta to 41 percent from the field and 23 percent from long range. In addition, the Heat recorded 27 assists to 14 turnovers while the Hawks had just 22 assists to 16 turnovers.
The Hawks (14-20) got a career-high 34 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks from John Collins, doing that damage on 13-of-21 from the field, Clint Capela totaled 20 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. Trae Young went just 3-of-14 from the field to tally 15 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Kevin Huerter had 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and six steals.
The Heat (17-17) were led by Kendrick Nunn and his 24 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Bam Adebayo collected 16 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Goran Dragic generated 13 points, four rebounds and three assists while Tyler Herro and Precious Achiuwa had 14 points apiece to lead the bench.
These teams' next game will be a rematch on Tuesday against one another.
No recap has been written for this game yet. Please check back later.
Hornets Defeat Kings, 127-126
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Host Sacramento Kings, 127-126, at Golden 1 Center on Sunday.
While Sacramento held the lead for the first 23 minutes of the second half, Charlotte led when it mattered most. In fact, the Hornets took their first lead in the half with 1.3 seconds left in the game, thanks to an and-one lay-up by Malik Monk. That capped off a 6-1 run for the Hornets across the final 17 seconds of play to complete their 14-point comeback. With that said, there were seven ties and 13 lead changes in total. Charlotte's bench was the difference, outscoring Sacramento's bench, 43-11. In addition, the Hornets went 26-of-27 from the free-throw line while the Kings hit just 10-of-17. They also out-rebounded them, 38-33.
The Hornets (16-17) got a career-high 42 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks from P.J. Washington on 15-of-23 from the field. LaMelo Ball was the only other starter in double figures, generating 24 points, four rebounds and 12 assists. Monk led the bench with 21 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Kings (13-21) were led by Buddy Hield and his 30 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Harrison Barnes amassed 28 points, six rebounds and six assists. Marvin Bagley III totaled 24 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. De'Aaron Fox compiled 20 points and 14 assists while Richaun Holmes accrued 13 points, eight rebounds and two steals.
Charlotte has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, staying on the road to face the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Sacramento, they remain home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday for their next outing.
While Sacramento held the lead for the first 23 minutes of the second half, Charlotte led when it mattered most. In fact, the Hornets took their first lead in the half with 1.3 seconds left in the game, thanks to an and-one lay-up by Malik Monk. That capped off a 6-1 run for the Hornets across the final 17 seconds of play to complete their 14-point comeback. With that said, there were seven ties and 13 lead changes in total. Charlotte's bench was the difference, outscoring Sacramento's bench, 43-11. In addition, the Hornets went 26-of-27 from the free-throw line while the Kings hit just 10-of-17. They also out-rebounded them, 38-33.
The Hornets (16-17) got a career-high 42 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks from P.J. Washington on 15-of-23 from the field. LaMelo Ball was the only other starter in double figures, generating 24 points, four rebounds and 12 assists. Monk led the bench with 21 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Kings (13-21) were led by Buddy Hield and his 30 points, two rebounds and seven assists. Harrison Barnes amassed 28 points, six rebounds and six assists. Marvin Bagley III totaled 24 points, 10 rebounds and two steals. De'Aaron Fox compiled 20 points and 14 assists while Richaun Holmes accrued 13 points, eight rebounds and two steals.
Charlotte has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Monday, staying on the road to face the Portland Trail Blazers. As for Sacramento, they remain home to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday for their next outing.