Hawks Pull Away Late To defeat Pacers
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Indiana Pacers, 129-117, at State Farm Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The Hawks (31-26) continue trending in the right direction and managed to bounce back following their loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, playing a tight contest against the Pacers (26-30) that was only decided in the final minutes of the contest. Atlanta quickly jumped out to a 35-23 lead in the first quarter and seemed as if they'd dominate the game with ease, but Indiana responded quickly and made it a tight game after winning both the second (33-14) and third (33-28) quarters. The Hawks still held a four-point lead heading into the final 12 minutes of the contest but pulled away for good late, outscoring Indiana by eight points in that frame to run away with the victory. Both teams shot 48.9 percent from the field, but the difference came in the long-range department -- while Atlanta made 40.6 percent of their three-point attempts, Indiana shot only 31.3 percent from three-point range.
Trae Young led the Hawks offensively with a 34-point performance that also included 11 assists, while three other starters also reached the 20-point mark in what was a balanced scoring effort from the Hawks. Clint Capela notched 25 points with 24 rebounds, while Kevin Huerter and Bogdan Bogdanovic each mustered 23 points, three assists, a block and two steals. The difference between both players was that Huerter pulled down nine rebounds too.
Malcolm Brogdon had 29 points and eight assists to pace Indiana, and he also grabbed three rebounds. Domantas Sabonis only had 18 points, but he stuffed the stat sheet by also adding 14 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Caris LeVert had 11 points with three assists, two rebounds and two steals. T.J. McConnell had 18 points and seven assists off the bench.
The Hawks (31-26) continue trending in the right direction and managed to bounce back following their loss against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday, playing a tight contest against the Pacers (26-30) that was only decided in the final minutes of the contest. Atlanta quickly jumped out to a 35-23 lead in the first quarter and seemed as if they'd dominate the game with ease, but Indiana responded quickly and made it a tight game after winning both the second (33-14) and third (33-28) quarters. The Hawks still held a four-point lead heading into the final 12 minutes of the contest but pulled away for good late, outscoring Indiana by eight points in that frame to run away with the victory. Both teams shot 48.9 percent from the field, but the difference came in the long-range department -- while Atlanta made 40.6 percent of their three-point attempts, Indiana shot only 31.3 percent from three-point range.
Trae Young led the Hawks offensively with a 34-point performance that also included 11 assists, while three other starters also reached the 20-point mark in what was a balanced scoring effort from the Hawks. Clint Capela notched 25 points with 24 rebounds, while Kevin Huerter and Bogdan Bogdanovic each mustered 23 points, three assists, a block and two steals. The difference between both players was that Huerter pulled down nine rebounds too.
Malcolm Brogdon had 29 points and eight assists to pace Indiana, and he also grabbed three rebounds. Domantas Sabonis only had 18 points, but he stuffed the stat sheet by also adding 14 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Caris LeVert had 11 points with three assists, two rebounds and two steals. T.J. McConnell had 18 points and seven assists off the bench.
Knicks Top Pelicans After Dominant OT Spell
The New York Knicks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 122-112, at Madison Square Garden on Sunday afternoon.
The Knicks (31-27) and the Pelicans (25-32) had to play five extra minutes to find a winner in this one, but the Knicks pulled away when it mattered the most to run away with the win while extending their winning streak to six contests. New York got off to a slow start and was down by four points after the first quarter (25-21), but the Knicks responded with a 36-19 second-quarter score that changed the game just before the break. New Orleans responded immediately and won the third quarter by a 35-22 margin, meaning the game was tied with only 12 minutes left on the contest. The fourth quarter also ended in a tie (24-24), but the Knicks saved their best basketball for the overtime period and outscored New Orleans 19-9 in the final five minutes to come away with a huge victory at home.
Julius Randle had an impressive performance for the Knicks, as he finished with 33 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and five steals, while Derrick Rose delivered an impressive outing off the bench and contributed 23 points with five assists and three rebounds. R.J. Barrett had 18 points with four boards, while Reggie Bullock notched 15 points and Nerlens Noel mustered 12 points with eight boards. New York shot 47.4 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from deep.
The Pelicans shot 40.6 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from three in the loss, and Zion Williamson carried New Orleans with a 34-point performance that also included nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Brandon Ingram had 19 points, while Steven Adams added 10 points with 14 boards. Eric Bledsoe also finished with 22 points.
The Knicks (31-27) and the Pelicans (25-32) had to play five extra minutes to find a winner in this one, but the Knicks pulled away when it mattered the most to run away with the win while extending their winning streak to six contests. New York got off to a slow start and was down by four points after the first quarter (25-21), but the Knicks responded with a 36-19 second-quarter score that changed the game just before the break. New Orleans responded immediately and won the third quarter by a 35-22 margin, meaning the game was tied with only 12 minutes left on the contest. The fourth quarter also ended in a tie (24-24), but the Knicks saved their best basketball for the overtime period and outscored New Orleans 19-9 in the final five minutes to come away with a huge victory at home.
Julius Randle had an impressive performance for the Knicks, as he finished with 33 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and five steals, while Derrick Rose delivered an impressive outing off the bench and contributed 23 points with five assists and three rebounds. R.J. Barrett had 18 points with four boards, while Reggie Bullock notched 15 points and Nerlens Noel mustered 12 points with eight boards. New York shot 47.4 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from deep.
The Pelicans shot 40.6 percent from the field and 22.2 percent from three in the loss, and Zion Williamson carried New Orleans with a 34-point performance that also included nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. Brandon Ingram had 19 points, while Steven Adams added 10 points with 14 boards. Eric Bledsoe also finished with 22 points.
Heat Edges Nets, 109-107
The Miami Heat defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 109-107, at American Airlines Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The day began with some discouraging news for the Heat (29-28), which confirmed it would be without Jimmy Butler due to an ankle injury. However, Miami appeared undeterred during a first half in which it accumulated 64 first-half points and took a four-point lead into halftime, with Brooklyn's Kevin Durant notably leaving the game for good after just four minutes of floor time due to a thigh injury. The Nets (38-19) did manage to slice their deficit in half during the third quarter, and the final period consisted of multiple lead changes until the home squad finished on an 8-0 run over the last 3:20 that culminated in a Bam Adebayo step back jumper at the buzzer to snap 107-107 tie and sending the visitors home in the loss column.
Landry Shamet led the Nets with 30 points, complementing them with three assists and two rebounds. Kyrie Irving provided 20 points, nine assists, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Joe Harris tallied 12 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Durant posted eight points, one rebound and one block before exiting with his injury.
Adebayo paced the Heat with a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included five assists and two steals. Goran Dragic supplied 18 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Kendrick Nunn registered 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Trevor Ariza managed 15 points, nine rebounds and one assist. Duncan Robinson and Dewayne Dedmon delivered 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Dedmon also pulling down 10 rebounds.
The Nets remain on the road and visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, while the Heat remain home and host the Houston Rockets on Monday night.
The day began with some discouraging news for the Heat (29-28), which confirmed it would be without Jimmy Butler due to an ankle injury. However, Miami appeared undeterred during a first half in which it accumulated 64 first-half points and took a four-point lead into halftime, with Brooklyn's Kevin Durant notably leaving the game for good after just four minutes of floor time due to a thigh injury. The Nets (38-19) did manage to slice their deficit in half during the third quarter, and the final period consisted of multiple lead changes until the home squad finished on an 8-0 run over the last 3:20 that culminated in a Bam Adebayo step back jumper at the buzzer to snap 107-107 tie and sending the visitors home in the loss column.
Landry Shamet led the Nets with 30 points, complementing them with three assists and two rebounds. Kyrie Irving provided 20 points, nine assists, four rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Joe Harris tallied 12 points, three assists, two rebounds and one steal. Durant posted eight points, one rebound and one block before exiting with his injury.
Adebayo paced the Heat with a 21-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included five assists and two steals. Goran Dragic supplied 18 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal. Kendrick Nunn registered 17 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Trevor Ariza managed 15 points, nine rebounds and one assist. Duncan Robinson and Dewayne Dedmon delivered 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Dedmon also pulling down 10 rebounds.
The Nets remain on the road and visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, while the Heat remain home and host the Houston Rockets on Monday night.
Rockets Squeak by Magic, 114-110
The Houston Rockets defeated the Orlando Magic, 114-110, at Amway Center on Sunday night.
The matchup between two of the poorest teams in each conference was likely to be highly competitive, and the first quarter played out exactly as such. The Rockets (15-42) and Magic (18-39) matched each other bucket for bucket over the first 12 minutes before Orlando managed to forge a six-point lead going into halftime. However, Houston managed to change the dynamic of the contest during a surprisingly dominant third quarter they won by a 32-18 margin. The game did come down to the final seconds, however, with Cole Anthony getting the home squad to within two points with 7.8 seconds left. Avery Bradley was then able to sink a pair of clutch free throws with seven seconds remaining and the Magic couldn't find the net on either of their last two shot attempts, sealing the Rockets' victory.
Christian Wood led the Rockets with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Kelly Olynyk furnished 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Kevin Porter, Jr. supplied 22 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Armoni Brooks poured in 16 points, while Jae'Sean Tate turned in 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three blocks and one steal.
Dwayne Bacon paced the Magic with 22 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Anthony and Gary Harris delivered 16 points apiece, with Anthony also recording nine assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Chuma Okeke supplied 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, four steals and one block. Wendell Carter and Mo Bamba generated matching 11-point tallies while pulling down 10 and nine rebounds, respectively.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Monday night, while the Magic hit the road and face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.
The matchup between two of the poorest teams in each conference was likely to be highly competitive, and the first quarter played out exactly as such. The Rockets (15-42) and Magic (18-39) matched each other bucket for bucket over the first 12 minutes before Orlando managed to forge a six-point lead going into halftime. However, Houston managed to change the dynamic of the contest during a surprisingly dominant third quarter they won by a 32-18 margin. The game did come down to the final seconds, however, with Cole Anthony getting the home squad to within two points with 7.8 seconds left. Avery Bradley was then able to sink a pair of clutch free throws with seven seconds remaining and the Magic couldn't find the net on either of their last two shot attempts, sealing the Rockets' victory.
Christian Wood led the Rockets with a 25-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Kelly Olynyk furnished 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one steal. Kevin Porter, Jr. supplied 22 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Armoni Brooks poured in 16 points, while Jae'Sean Tate turned in 14 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three blocks and one steal.
Dwayne Bacon paced the Magic with 22 points, supplementing them with three rebounds, two assists and three steals. Anthony and Gary Harris delivered 16 points apiece, with Anthony also recording nine assists, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Chuma Okeke supplied 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, four steals and one block. Wendell Carter and Mo Bamba generated matching 11-point tallies while pulling down 10 and nine rebounds, respectively.
The Rockets remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Monday night, while the Magic hit the road and face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night.
Raptors Close Out Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 112-106, at Amalie Arena on Sunday evening.
The Thunder got out to a good start on the road with a, 31-28, lead after one quarter. They kept up the pace in the second and managed to push their lead to seven, by halftime. The Raptors picked up the defense in the third quarter and chipped away until they took a one-point lead heading into the final frame. The Thunder made a push early in the fourth and regained a four-point lead, but the Raptors closed the game on a, 10-4, run to secure their third straight win, while this marks the 10th straight loss for the Thunder.
Chris Boucher led the way for the Raptors with 31 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Gary Trent Jr. followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, five steals and a block, while Malachi Flynn finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. The Raptors shot 38 percent from the field, including 17-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort led the Thunder with 29 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Darius Bazley added 16 points, eight rebounds and a block, while Kenrich Williams chipped in 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Thunder shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from deep.
The Thunder (20-37) will look to end the slide as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Monday. The Raptors (24-34) play host to the Nets on Wednesday.
The Thunder got out to a good start on the road with a, 31-28, lead after one quarter. They kept up the pace in the second and managed to push their lead to seven, by halftime. The Raptors picked up the defense in the third quarter and chipped away until they took a one-point lead heading into the final frame. The Thunder made a push early in the fourth and regained a four-point lead, but the Raptors closed the game on a, 10-4, run to secure their third straight win, while this marks the 10th straight loss for the Thunder.
Chris Boucher led the way for the Raptors with 31 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 35 minutes. Gary Trent Jr. followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, five steals and a block, while Malachi Flynn finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists. The Raptors shot 38 percent from the field, including 17-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort led the Thunder with 29 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 31 minutes. Darius Bazley added 16 points, eight rebounds and a block, while Kenrich Williams chipped in 12 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Thunder shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from deep.
The Thunder (20-37) will look to end the slide as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Monday. The Raptors (24-34) play host to the Nets on Wednesday.
Hornets Snap Four-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 109-101, at Spectrum Center on Sunday evening.
The Hornets got out to a great start at home with a, 44-24, lead after one quarter. The Trail Blazers pushed back in the second and cut the deficit to 14, by halftime. The Hornets kept up the intensity in the third and pushed their lead up to a game-high 29 points late in the quarter, before the Blazers cut it back to a 21-point game, heading into the final frame. The Trail Blazers carried the momentum into the fourth and cut it down to an eight-point game with 20 seconds left, but it was not enough, as the Hornets closed out the home win, ending a four-game slide.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 34 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, two steals and a block, in 39 minutes. P.J. Washington added 23 points, eight rebounds, four blocks and a steal, while Miles Bridges totaled 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and a block. The Hornets shot 47 percent from the field, including 18-of-43 from deep.
Meanwhile, Carmelo Anthony led the Trail Blazers with 24 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 28 minutes off the bench. C.J. McCollum added 22 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Enes Kanter totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and a block. The Trail Blazers shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-36 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (31-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Tuesday. The Hornets (28-28) take on the Knicks in New York on Tuesday.
The Hornets got out to a great start at home with a, 44-24, lead after one quarter. The Trail Blazers pushed back in the second and cut the deficit to 14, by halftime. The Hornets kept up the intensity in the third and pushed their lead up to a game-high 29 points late in the quarter, before the Blazers cut it back to a 21-point game, heading into the final frame. The Trail Blazers carried the momentum into the fourth and cut it down to an eight-point game with 20 seconds left, but it was not enough, as the Hornets closed out the home win, ending a four-game slide.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 34 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, two steals and a block, in 39 minutes. P.J. Washington added 23 points, eight rebounds, four blocks and a steal, while Miles Bridges totaled 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and a block. The Hornets shot 47 percent from the field, including 18-of-43 from deep.
Meanwhile, Carmelo Anthony led the Trail Blazers with 24 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 28 minutes off the bench. C.J. McCollum added 22 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Enes Kanter totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and a block. The Trail Blazers shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-36 from long range.
The Trail Blazers (31-23) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Clippers on Tuesday. The Hornets (28-28) take on the Knicks in New York on Tuesday.
Kings Defeat Mavericks, 121-107
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 121-107, at American Airlines Center on Sunday.
Sacramento carried a 67-50 lead to the half, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, Dallas never got within a six-point margin after that dominating first half by Sacramento. The Kings shot 49 percent from the field, 46 percent from three-point range and 88 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Mavericks to 45 percent from the field, 33 percent from long range and 65 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Sacramento recorded 22 assists to six turnovers while Dallas had 15 assists to 14 turnovers.
The Kings (23-34) were led by De'Aaron Fox and his 30 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Harrison Barnes amassed 24 points and five rebounds. Hassan Whiteside had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Terence Davis led the bench with 23 points, three rebounds and three assists while Delon Wright provided 13 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Mavericks (30-26) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 37 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Dorian Finney-Smith totaled 22 points and four rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis missed 11 of his 14 shots to finish with nine points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Jalen Brunson led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Sacramento returns to action on Tuesday, playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for Dallas, their next game is on Wednesday when they remain home to play the Detroit Pistons.
Sacramento carried a 67-50 lead to the half, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. In fact, Dallas never got within a six-point margin after that dominating first half by Sacramento. The Kings shot 49 percent from the field, 46 percent from three-point range and 88 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Mavericks to 45 percent from the field, 33 percent from long range and 65 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Sacramento recorded 22 assists to six turnovers while Dallas had 15 assists to 14 turnovers.
The Kings (23-34) were led by De'Aaron Fox and his 30 points, four rebounds, 12 assists and two steals. Harrison Barnes amassed 24 points and five rebounds. Hassan Whiteside had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Terence Davis led the bench with 23 points, three rebounds and three assists while Delon Wright provided 13 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Mavericks (30-26) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 37 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Dorian Finney-Smith totaled 22 points and four rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis missed 11 of his 14 shots to finish with nine points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Jalen Brunson led the bench with 20 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Sacramento returns to action on Tuesday, playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves. As for Dallas, their next game is on Wednesday when they remain home to play the Detroit Pistons.
Clippers Roll T'Wolves, 124-105
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 124-105, at Staples Center on Sunday.
While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win for Los Angeles, they held the lead for the final 45 minutes. That can be attributed to a 43-27 second quarter and a 32-16 third quarter, carrying a 35-point lead into the fourth quarter. None of the Clippers starters stepped on the floor in that final quarter. Los Angeles shot 51 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding Minnesota to 41 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. In addition, the Clippers out-rebounded the T'Wolves, 48-37, while out-assisting them, 31-27. In addition, Los Angeles outscored Minnesota in second-chance points, 23-1.
The Timberwolves (15-43) were led by Anthony Edwards and his 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Karl-Anthony Towns accrued 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Naz Reid led the bench with 13 points and seven rebounds.
The Clippers (40-19) were led by Paul George, tallying 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Marcus Morris amassed 19 points and six rebounds. Kawhi Leonard collected 15 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Reggie Jackson had 13 points, three rebounds and four assists while Luke Kennard led the bench with 13 points
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Minnesota staying on the road to face the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles traveling to play the Portland Trail Blazers.
While this wasn't necessarily a wire-to-wire win for Los Angeles, they held the lead for the final 45 minutes. That can be attributed to a 43-27 second quarter and a 32-16 third quarter, carrying a 35-point lead into the fourth quarter. None of the Clippers starters stepped on the floor in that final quarter. Los Angeles shot 51 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range while holding Minnesota to 41 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. In addition, the Clippers out-rebounded the T'Wolves, 48-37, while out-assisting them, 31-27. In addition, Los Angeles outscored Minnesota in second-chance points, 23-1.
The Timberwolves (15-43) were led by Anthony Edwards and his 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Karl-Anthony Towns accrued 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Naz Reid led the bench with 13 points and seven rebounds.
The Clippers (40-19) were led by Paul George, tallying 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. Marcus Morris amassed 19 points and six rebounds. Kawhi Leonard collected 15 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. Reggie Jackson had 13 points, three rebounds and four assists while Luke Kennard led the bench with 13 points
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Minnesota staying on the road to face the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles traveling to play the Portland Trail Blazers.