Celtics Dominate To Get Past Suns
The Boston Celtics defeated the Phoenix Suns, 99-86, at TD Garden on Thursday evening.
The Celtics (32-27) continue to play well and could very well be considered as one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference -- they boosted their record to 9-2 over their last 11 contests and remain alive in the race for a top-four seed in the East while defeating an underwhelming Suns (42-17) team that looked overmatched on both ends of the court. Boston raced out to a 26-21 lead following the first quarter and boosted that advantage even further, putting up a 27-16 score in the second quarter that gave them an edge the Celtics would never relinquish. Even though the Suns won the third quarter by a 28-24 score, it wasn't enough to even sniff a comeback and were not able to get much closer. The Celtics won the final quarter by a one-point differential (22-21) and didn't have problems securing the victory in front of their fans.
Kemba Walker led the Celtics in scoring and registered 32 points with four rebounds and four assists, while Jayson Tatum chipped in with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds while also adding six assists and a steal. Marcus Smart had 11 points and seven rebounds, while Tristan Thompson pulled down 12 rebounds while scoring nine points. Payton Pritchard had 10 points off the bench. The Celtics shot 42.9 percent from the field.
Chris Paul carried the Suns with 22 points and eight assists while also adding eight rebounds, and Devin Booker finished with 15 points and four rebounds before fouling out in the fourth quarter. DeAndre Ayton posted 10 points and nine rebounds, while Mikal Bridges ended with 15 points. The Suns shot 40.9 percent from the field and 17.1 percent from deep.
The Celtics (32-27) continue to play well and could very well be considered as one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference -- they boosted their record to 9-2 over their last 11 contests and remain alive in the race for a top-four seed in the East while defeating an underwhelming Suns (42-17) team that looked overmatched on both ends of the court. Boston raced out to a 26-21 lead following the first quarter and boosted that advantage even further, putting up a 27-16 score in the second quarter that gave them an edge the Celtics would never relinquish. Even though the Suns won the third quarter by a 28-24 score, it wasn't enough to even sniff a comeback and were not able to get much closer. The Celtics won the final quarter by a one-point differential (22-21) and didn't have problems securing the victory in front of their fans.
Kemba Walker led the Celtics in scoring and registered 32 points with four rebounds and four assists, while Jayson Tatum chipped in with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds while also adding six assists and a steal. Marcus Smart had 11 points and seven rebounds, while Tristan Thompson pulled down 12 rebounds while scoring nine points. Payton Pritchard had 10 points off the bench. The Celtics shot 42.9 percent from the field.
Chris Paul carried the Suns with 22 points and eight assists while also adding eight rebounds, and Devin Booker finished with 15 points and four rebounds before fouling out in the fourth quarter. DeAndre Ayton posted 10 points and nine rebounds, while Mikal Bridges ended with 15 points. The Suns shot 40.9 percent from the field and 17.1 percent from deep.
Bucks Topple 76ers, 124-117
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 124-117, at Fiserv Forum on Thursday night.
The Bucks (36-22) came into the contest in less than optimal shape after forging a 3-5 mark over their previous eight games, but Milwaukee served notice early that Thursday would feature one of their vintage performances. The hosts utilized strong play on both ends of the floor to take a 40-26 lead through one, and they had expanded their advantage to 17 points by halftime and 21 to start the fourth quarter. Philadelphia's second unit helped make the final margin of victory a lot closer than what would had seemed likely at one point, as they finished on a 14-2 run over the final 6:30.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with 24 points, adding three rebounds, three assists and one block. Shake Milton provided 20 points, four assists and three rebounds. Tobias Harris supplied 18 points, six assists and two boards. Seth Curry, Mike Scott and Tyrese Maxey churned out matching 11-point tallies, with Scott pulling down four rebounds and Maxey dishing out five assists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 27 points, complementing them with 16 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Khris Middleton registered 24 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal. Bobby Portis totaled 23 points, five rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal. Brook Lopez recorded 16 points, four rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Jrue Holiday offered 12 points, 11 assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Patrick Connaughton managed 10 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block.
The 76ers and Bucks reconvene for a rematch on Saturday afternoon in Milwaukee.
The Bucks (36-22) came into the contest in less than optimal shape after forging a 3-5 mark over their previous eight games, but Milwaukee served notice early that Thursday would feature one of their vintage performances. The hosts utilized strong play on both ends of the floor to take a 40-26 lead through one, and they had expanded their advantage to 17 points by halftime and 21 to start the fourth quarter. Philadelphia's second unit helped make the final margin of victory a lot closer than what would had seemed likely at one point, as they finished on a 14-2 run over the final 6:30.
Joel Embiid paced the 76ers with 24 points, adding three rebounds, three assists and one block. Shake Milton provided 20 points, four assists and three rebounds. Tobias Harris supplied 18 points, six assists and two boards. Seth Curry, Mike Scott and Tyrese Maxey churned out matching 11-point tallies, with Scott pulling down four rebounds and Maxey dishing out five assists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 27 points, complementing them with 16 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Khris Middleton registered 24 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal. Bobby Portis totaled 23 points, five rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal. Brook Lopez recorded 16 points, four rebounds, one assist and two blocks. Jrue Holiday offered 12 points, 11 assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Patrick Connaughton managed 10 points, five rebounds, one assist and one block.
The 76ers and Bucks reconvene for a rematch on Saturday afternoon in Milwaukee.
Pelicans Come Up Huge To End Four-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Orlando Magic, 135-100, at Amway Center on Thursday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Pelicans held a, 29-27, lead after one quarter. The Pelicans took it to another level in the second, where they exploded for 45 points, pushing their lead to 22, by halftime. They kept up the intensity in the third and outscored the hosts, 34-18, in the quarter, to take a 38-point lead into the final frame. The Magic had no answers in the fourth, as the Pelicans cruised to the road win, snapping a four-game slide, while this marks the fourth straight loss for the Magic.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 29 points, six assists and three rebounds, in 29 minutes. Zion Williamson followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Eric Bledsoe added 15 points, three assists and two rebounds. The Pelicans shot 55 percent from the field, including 12-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mo Bamba led the Magic with 17 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, in 27 minutes. Devin Cannady added 17 points, three assists and two steals, while Cole Anthony chipped in 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal. The Magic shot 36 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from long range.
The Magic (18-41) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Sunday. The Pelicans (26-33) play host to the Spurs on Saturday.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Pelicans held a, 29-27, lead after one quarter. The Pelicans took it to another level in the second, where they exploded for 45 points, pushing their lead to 22, by halftime. They kept up the intensity in the third and outscored the hosts, 34-18, in the quarter, to take a 38-point lead into the final frame. The Magic had no answers in the fourth, as the Pelicans cruised to the road win, snapping a four-game slide, while this marks the fourth straight loss for the Magic.
Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 29 points, six assists and three rebounds, in 29 minutes. Zion Williamson followed up with 23 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Eric Bledsoe added 15 points, three assists and two rebounds. The Pelicans shot 55 percent from the field, including 12-of-28 from long range.
Meanwhile, Mo Bamba led the Magic with 17 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks, in 27 minutes. Devin Cannady added 17 points, three assists and two steals, while Cole Anthony chipped in 14 points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal. The Magic shot 36 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from long range.
The Magic (18-41) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pacers on Sunday. The Pelicans (26-33) play host to the Spurs on Saturday.
Spurs Confident In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 106-91, at AT&T Center on Thursday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Spurs led by one point after one quarter. They came out stronger in the second and rallied ahead to a 10-point lead by halftime. The Spurs kept the upper hand through the third quarter and increased their advantage to 12, heading into the final frame. The Pistons had no answers in the fourth and fell for their second straight loss, as the Spurs cruised to the home win.
Derrick White led the Spurs, with 26 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, three blocks and a steal, in 28 minutes. Lonnie Waker added 18 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Jakob Poeltl totaled 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. The Spurs shot 46 percent from the field, including 11-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, Josh Jackson led the way for the Pistons with 29 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block, in 31 minutes. Frank Jackson added 14 points and three rebounds, while Killian Hayes tallied 12 points, five assists, a steal and a block. The Pistons shot 45 percent from the field, including 8-of-22 from long range.
The Pistons (18-42) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Saturday. The Spurs (29-29) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Saturday.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Spurs led by one point after one quarter. They came out stronger in the second and rallied ahead to a 10-point lead by halftime. The Spurs kept the upper hand through the third quarter and increased their advantage to 12, heading into the final frame. The Pistons had no answers in the fourth and fell for their second straight loss, as the Spurs cruised to the home win.
Derrick White led the Spurs, with 26 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, three blocks and a steal, in 28 minutes. Lonnie Waker added 18 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Jakob Poeltl totaled 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and four blocks. The Spurs shot 46 percent from the field, including 11-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, Josh Jackson led the way for the Pistons with 29 points, four rebounds, two assists and a block, in 31 minutes. Frank Jackson added 14 points and three rebounds, while Killian Hayes tallied 12 points, five assists, a steal and a block. The Pistons shot 45 percent from the field, including 8-of-22 from long range.
The Pistons (18-42) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Saturday. The Spurs (29-29) take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Saturday.
Bulls Defeat Hornets, 108-91
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 108-91, at United Center on Thursday.
A 34-23 first quarter really set the foundation for Chicago in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They actually held a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of play and carried a 21-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Bulls shot 49 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding the Hornets to 43 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. In addition, Chicago out-rebounded Charlotte, 49-39, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 18-5.
The Hornets (28-30) were led by Devonte' Graham, tallying 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Miles Bridges amassed 15 points, five rebounds and three assists. Terry Rozier collected 11 points, three rebounds and eight assists. None of those guys shot over 45 percent from the field. Brad Wanamaker led the bench with 11 points and five assists,
The Bulls (25-34) were led by Nikola Vucevic and his 18 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. Coby White matched those 18 points, adding three rebounds and three assists to his tally. Thaddeus Young led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Tomas Satoransky also had 10 points, seven assists and three steals.
Charlotte has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Friday, facing the Cleveland Cavaliers. As for Chicago, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Miami Heat.
A 34-23 first quarter really set the foundation for Chicago in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. They actually held a double-digit lead for the final 20 minutes of play and carried a 21-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Bulls shot 49 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding the Hornets to 43 percent from the field and 26 percent from long range. In addition, Chicago out-rebounded Charlotte, 49-39, while outscoring them in second-chance points, 18-5.
The Hornets (28-30) were led by Devonte' Graham, tallying 16 points, four rebounds and three assists. Miles Bridges amassed 15 points, five rebounds and three assists. Terry Rozier collected 11 points, three rebounds and eight assists. None of those guys shot over 45 percent from the field. Brad Wanamaker led the bench with 11 points and five assists,
The Bulls (25-34) were led by Nikola Vucevic and his 18 points, 16 rebounds and six assists. Coby White matched those 18 points, adding three rebounds and three assists to his tally. Thaddeus Young led the bench with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Tomas Satoransky also had 10 points, seven assists and three steals.
Charlotte has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Friday, facing the Cleveland Cavaliers. As for Chicago, they return to action on Saturday in a road matchup with the Miami Heat.
Mavericks Defeat Lakers, 115-110
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 115-110, at American Airlines Center on Thursday.
A 62-51 first half really set the tone for Dallas in this game, leading for all but a handful of minutes. Los Angeles fought back with a 39-32 third quarter but the Mavericks were able to maintain their lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, with the Lakers never attempting a shot to tie in that frame. The Mavericks recorded 11 steals to the Lakers six while winning the turnover battle, 16-12. Getting to the free-throw line was critical, with Dallas hitting 26-of-36 and Los Angeles connected on 14-of-17.
The Lakers (35-24) were led by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, dropping 29 points. Dennis Schroder tallied 25 points, two rebounds and 13 assists on 9-of-13 from the field. Andre Drummond totaled 14 points, 19 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 14 points and six rebounds. Anthony Davis played the first half in his return to action from a 30-game absence, generating four points on 2-of-10 shooting.
The Mavericks (32-26) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 30 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Kristaps Porzingis had 19 points and six rebounds before departing with a leg issue. Josh Richardson had 13 points, two rebounds and two blocks while Willie Cauley-Stein led the bench with 11 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
These teams will run it back on Saturday, with Dallas playing host yet again. It remains to be seen who will suit up in that game with Porzingis, Doncic and Davis all nicked up in this game.
A 62-51 first half really set the tone for Dallas in this game, leading for all but a handful of minutes. Los Angeles fought back with a 39-32 third quarter but the Mavericks were able to maintain their lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, with the Lakers never attempting a shot to tie in that frame. The Mavericks recorded 11 steals to the Lakers six while winning the turnover battle, 16-12. Getting to the free-throw line was critical, with Dallas hitting 26-of-36 and Los Angeles connected on 14-of-17.
The Lakers (35-24) were led by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, dropping 29 points. Dennis Schroder tallied 25 points, two rebounds and 13 assists on 9-of-13 from the field. Andre Drummond totaled 14 points, 19 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Montrezl Harrell led the bench with 14 points and six rebounds. Anthony Davis played the first half in his return to action from a 30-game absence, generating four points on 2-of-10 shooting.
The Mavericks (32-26) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 30 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Kristaps Porzingis had 19 points and six rebounds before departing with a leg issue. Josh Richardson had 13 points, two rebounds and two blocks while Willie Cauley-Stein led the bench with 11 points, eight rebounds and two blocks.
These teams will run it back on Saturday, with Dallas playing host yet again. It remains to be seen who will suit up in that game with Porzingis, Doncic and Davis all nicked up in this game.