Hawks Defeat Heat, 118-103
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the visiting Miami Heat, 118-103, at Toyota Center on Friday.
While there were six ties and 18 lead changes in the first three quarters, Atlanta rode a 23-14 fourth quarter to their 15-point victory. That capped off a 56-42 second half, with the Hawks leading by at least five points for the whole of the fourth quarter. The Hawks shot 54 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Heat to 48 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. In addition, Atlanta out-rebounded Miami, 38-30, while outscoring their bench, 51-21.
The Heat (31-29) were led by Kendrick Nunn, tallying 21 points, two rebounds and two assists. Jimmy Butler collected 19 points, two rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Bam Adebayo amassed 16 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. Trevor Ariza generated 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
The Hawks (33-27) were led by Bogdan Bogdanovic, generating 21 points, three rebounds and eight assists. John Collins totaled 20 points and eight rebounds. Kevin Huerter had 11 points, four rebounds, six assists and five steals. Danilo Gallinari and Brandon Goodwin led the bench with 17 points apiece.
Miami plays the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, returning home to face the Chicago Bulls. As for Atlanta, they return to action on Sunday in a home matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.
While there were six ties and 18 lead changes in the first three quarters, Atlanta rode a 23-14 fourth quarter to their 15-point victory. That capped off a 56-42 second half, with the Hawks leading by at least five points for the whole of the fourth quarter. The Hawks shot 54 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range while holding the Heat to 48 percent from the field and 35 percent from long range. In addition, Atlanta out-rebounded Miami, 38-30, while outscoring their bench, 51-21.
The Heat (31-29) were led by Kendrick Nunn, tallying 21 points, two rebounds and two assists. Jimmy Butler collected 19 points, two rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Bam Adebayo amassed 16 points, three rebounds, five assists and three steals. Trevor Ariza generated 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.
The Hawks (33-27) were led by Bogdan Bogdanovic, generating 21 points, three rebounds and eight assists. John Collins totaled 20 points and eight rebounds. Kevin Huerter had 11 points, four rebounds, six assists and five steals. Danilo Gallinari and Brandon Goodwin led the bench with 17 points apiece.
Miami plays the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, returning home to face the Chicago Bulls. As for Atlanta, they return to action on Sunday in a home matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Nets Edge Celtics, 105-99
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Boston Celtics, 105-99, at Barclays Center on Friday night.
Each team came into the contest missing a key piece, as Jaylen Brown (shoulder) and Kevin Durant (quadriceps) were down for the visitors and hosts, respectively. The Celtics (32-28) were sharper out of the gate with a 25-21 lead through one, but the Nets' (40-20) 67-48 advantage during the middle periods changed the dynamic of the contest. Boston did put on an impressive late rally and got as close as within three with just 3.1 seconds remaining before a pair of Kyrie Irving free throws sealed Brooklyn's win.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with a 38-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists. Payton Pritchard followed with 22 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and one block. Marcus Smart supplied 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Tristan Thompson turned in eight points, nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
Joe Harris paced the Nets with 20 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and one block. Jeff Green supplied 19 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Irving and Bruce Brown contributed matching 15-point tallies, with Irving also dishing out 11 assists and pulling down nine rebounds and Brown recording eight boards in his own right. Blake Griffin collected 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Celtics remain on the road and visit the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday afternoon, while the Nets remain home and play host to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon as well.
Each team came into the contest missing a key piece, as Jaylen Brown (shoulder) and Kevin Durant (quadriceps) were down for the visitors and hosts, respectively. The Celtics (32-28) were sharper out of the gate with a 25-21 lead through one, but the Nets' (40-20) 67-48 advantage during the middle periods changed the dynamic of the contest. Boston did put on an impressive late rally and got as close as within three with just 3.1 seconds remaining before a pair of Kyrie Irving free throws sealed Brooklyn's win.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with a 38-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included four assists. Payton Pritchard followed with 22 points, complementing them with three rebounds, two assists and one block. Marcus Smart supplied 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Tristan Thompson turned in eight points, nine rebounds, two blocks and one steal.
Joe Harris paced the Nets with 20 points, complementing them with four rebounds, three assists and one block. Jeff Green supplied 19 points, three assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Irving and Bruce Brown contributed matching 15-point tallies, with Irving also dishing out 11 assists and pulling down nine rebounds and Brown recording eight boards in his own right. Blake Griffin collected 13 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Celtics remain on the road and visit the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday afternoon, while the Nets remain home and play host to the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon as well.
Clippers Get Past Rockets, 109-104
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Houston Rockets, 109-104, at Toyota Center on Friday night.
The Clippers (43-19) took the floor yet again without Kawhi Leonard (foot) on Friday night, and a game Houston Rockets (15-45) squad with no playoff aspirations appeared intent on taking advantage. Houston hung tough during a first half that culminated in a modest four-point halftime lead for Los Angeles, and they then took a their own four-point edge into the final period by impressively holding the visitors to just 11 third-quarter points. The Clippers would eventually retake the lead early in the fourth and hang on, although the game wasn't decided until Reggie Jackson's two free throws with four seconds remaining.
Paul George led the Clippers with 33 points, adding 14 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Reggie Jackson supplied 19 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac and Patrick Patterson generated matching 12-point tallies while pulling down eight and six rebounds, respectively. Demarcus Cousins furnished 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Amir Coffey totaled 10 points, five rebounds and three assists.
John Wall paced the Rockets with 27 points, complementing them with 13 assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Christian Wood posted a 24-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Kelly Olynyk compiled 23 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and four steals.
The Clippers remain on the road and tangle with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, while the Rockets visit the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.
The Clippers (43-19) took the floor yet again without Kawhi Leonard (foot) on Friday night, and a game Houston Rockets (15-45) squad with no playoff aspirations appeared intent on taking advantage. Houston hung tough during a first half that culminated in a modest four-point halftime lead for Los Angeles, and they then took a their own four-point edge into the final period by impressively holding the visitors to just 11 third-quarter points. The Clippers would eventually retake the lead early in the fourth and hang on, although the game wasn't decided until Reggie Jackson's two free throws with four seconds remaining.
Paul George led the Clippers with 33 points, adding 14 rebounds, four assists and two steals. Reggie Jackson supplied 19 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Ivica Zubac and Patrick Patterson generated matching 12-point tallies while pulling down eight and six rebounds, respectively. Demarcus Cousins furnished 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists and one block. Amir Coffey totaled 10 points, five rebounds and three assists.
John Wall paced the Rockets with 27 points, complementing them with 13 assists, three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Christian Wood posted a 24-point, 19-rebound double-double that also included two assists. Kelly Olynyk compiled 23 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and four steals.
The Clippers remain on the road and tangle with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, while the Rockets visit the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.
Wizards Notch Seventh Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Washington Wizards defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 129-109, at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Wizards held a, 36-35, lead after one quarter. The fast pace continued through the second but the score stayed close, as the Wizards took a two-point lead into halftime. The Thunder slowed down in the third quarter, and the Wizards were able to push their lead to eight points heading into the final frame. The hosts fell apart in the fourth, as they only scored 19 points in the quarter, while the Wizards charged ahead to their seventh straight win. This marks the 13th consecutive loss for the Thunder.
Russell Westbrook led the Wizards with 37 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, in 37 minutes. Bradley Beal added 33 points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, while Raul Neto chipped in 15 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals. The Wizards shot 51 percent from the field, including 18-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Darius Bazley tallied 20 points, six rebounds and five steals, while The Maledon tallied 20 points, eight assists, a steal and a block, to lead the Thunder. Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Roby were the only other players to score in double digits for the Thunder, as they added 18 points each. The Thunder shot 41 percent from the field, including 10-of-33 from deep.
The Thunder (20-40) will look to bounce back as they take on the Sixers in Philly on Monday. The Wizards (26-33) play host to the Cavs on Sunday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Wizards held a, 36-35, lead after one quarter. The fast pace continued through the second but the score stayed close, as the Wizards took a two-point lead into halftime. The Thunder slowed down in the third quarter, and the Wizards were able to push their lead to eight points heading into the final frame. The hosts fell apart in the fourth, as they only scored 19 points in the quarter, while the Wizards charged ahead to their seventh straight win. This marks the 13th consecutive loss for the Thunder.
Russell Westbrook led the Wizards with 37 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, in 37 minutes. Bradley Beal added 33 points, six rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal, while Raul Neto chipped in 15 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals. The Wizards shot 51 percent from the field, including 18-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Darius Bazley tallied 20 points, six rebounds and five steals, while The Maledon tallied 20 points, eight assists, a steal and a block, to lead the Thunder. Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Roby were the only other players to score in double digits for the Thunder, as they added 18 points each. The Thunder shot 41 percent from the field, including 10-of-33 from deep.
The Thunder (20-40) will look to bounce back as they take on the Sixers in Philly on Monday. The Wizards (26-33) play host to the Cavs on Sunday.
Hornets Use Strong Second Half To Close Out Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 108-102, at Spectrum Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start as the Hornets led, 22-20, after one quarter. The Cavs came out stronger in the second and outscored the hosts, 35-26, to take a seven-point lead into halftime. The Hornets responded in the third quarter, as they chipped away and tied it up at 78, heading into the final frame. The Cavs pulled ahead early in the fourth, but the Hornets rallied back and claimed a 10-point lead with 1:30 remaining and were able to close it out from there, ending a two-game slide.
The Hornets had three players score 25 points, as Miles Bridges, Terry Rozier and P.J. Washington came up huge to lead the way in the home win. Devonte Graham added eight points and 10 assists, while Jalen McDaniels tallied 10 points, six rebounds and three assists. The Hornets shot 42 percent from the field, including 14-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the way for the Cavs with 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Darius Garland followed up with 27 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals, while Jarrett Allen totaled 15 points and nine rebounds. The Cavs shot 51 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from long range.
The Cavaliers (21-38) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Sunday. The Hornets (29-30) play host to the Celtics on Sunday.
The contest got out to a tight start as the Hornets led, 22-20, after one quarter. The Cavs came out stronger in the second and outscored the hosts, 35-26, to take a seven-point lead into halftime. The Hornets responded in the third quarter, as they chipped away and tied it up at 78, heading into the final frame. The Cavs pulled ahead early in the fourth, but the Hornets rallied back and claimed a 10-point lead with 1:30 remaining and were able to close it out from there, ending a two-game slide.
The Hornets had three players score 25 points, as Miles Bridges, Terry Rozier and P.J. Washington came up huge to lead the way in the home win. Devonte Graham added eight points and 10 assists, while Jalen McDaniels tallied 10 points, six rebounds and three assists. The Hornets shot 42 percent from the field, including 14-of-40 from long range.
Meanwhile, Collin Sexton led the way for the Cavs with 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 34 minutes. Darius Garland followed up with 27 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals, while Jarrett Allen totaled 15 points and nine rebounds. The Cavs shot 51 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from long range.
The Cavaliers (21-38) will look to bounce back as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Sunday. The Hornets (29-30) play host to the Celtics on Sunday.
Warriors Defeat Nuggets, 118-97
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 118-97, at Chase Center on Friday.
While there were four ties and six lead changes in the first quarter, Golden State never relinquished the lead after that. That can be attributed to a 30-24 first quarter and a 64-47 second half. That lopsided second half allowed the Warriors to get their lead up to 25 points at times. Golden State shot 54 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding Denver to 39 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. In addition, the Warriors out-assisted the Nuggets, 40-26, while out-rebounding them, 52-36.
The Nuggets (38-21) were led by Michael Porter, who totaled 26 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Nikola Jokic collected 19 points, six rebounds and six assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 17 points, six rebounds and two assists. No other player reached double figures in scoring. Will Barton played just one minute, departing with a leg issue.
The Warriors (30-30) were led by Stephen Curry and his 32 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins compiled 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Draymond Green finished with two points, 12 rebounds and 19 assists. Kelly Oubre Jr led the bench with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Denver plays the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, playing host to the Houston Rockets. As for Golden State, they stay home to play the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
While there were four ties and six lead changes in the first quarter, Golden State never relinquished the lead after that. That can be attributed to a 30-24 first quarter and a 64-47 second half. That lopsided second half allowed the Warriors to get their lead up to 25 points at times. Golden State shot 54 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range while holding Denver to 39 percent from the field and 28 percent from long range. In addition, the Warriors out-assisted the Nuggets, 40-26, while out-rebounding them, 52-36.
The Nuggets (38-21) were led by Michael Porter, who totaled 26 points, five rebounds and two blocks. Nikola Jokic collected 19 points, six rebounds and six assists. Aaron Gordon amassed 17 points, six rebounds and two assists. No other player reached double figures in scoring. Will Barton played just one minute, departing with a leg issue.
The Warriors (30-30) were led by Stephen Curry and his 32 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins compiled 19 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Draymond Green finished with two points, 12 rebounds and 19 assists. Kelly Oubre Jr led the bench with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals.
Denver plays the second half of a back-to-back set on Saturday, playing host to the Houston Rockets. As for Golden State, they stay home to play the Sacramento Kings on Sunday.
Grizzlies Defeat Trail Blazers, 130-128
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 130-128, at Moda Center on Friday.
It took 10 ties and 20 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither club ever attaining a double-digit lead. Jusuf Nurkic had a chance to take the lead with 10 seconds left but had his lay-up blocked by De'Anthony Melton. The Grizzlies ended up shooting 53 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers to 48 percent shooting. Memphis also recorded 33 assists to eight turnovers while Portland had 28 assists to 11 turnovers. The Grizzlies bench outscored the Trail Blazers bench, 44-33.
The Grizzlies (30-28) were led by Ja Morant, tallying 33 points, five rebounds and 13 assists. Dillon Brooks totaled 25 points, two rebounds and three assists. Kyle Anderson amassed 14 points and eight rebounds. Xavier Tillman had 12 points and six rebounds while Jaren Jackson Jr led the bench with 23 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (32-27) were led by Damian Lillard and his 27 points, three rebounds and five assists. Jusuf Nurkic accrued 26 points, 17 rebounds and five assists. C.J. McCollum collected 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Norman Powell compiled 13 points, two rebounds and two assists while Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 13 points.
These teams have a rematch on Sunday, with Portland playing host yet again.
It took 10 ties and 20 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither club ever attaining a double-digit lead. Jusuf Nurkic had a chance to take the lead with 10 seconds left but had his lay-up blocked by De'Anthony Melton. The Grizzlies ended up shooting 53 percent from the field while holding the Trail Blazers to 48 percent shooting. Memphis also recorded 33 assists to eight turnovers while Portland had 28 assists to 11 turnovers. The Grizzlies bench outscored the Trail Blazers bench, 44-33.
The Grizzlies (30-28) were led by Ja Morant, tallying 33 points, five rebounds and 13 assists. Dillon Brooks totaled 25 points, two rebounds and three assists. Kyle Anderson amassed 14 points and eight rebounds. Xavier Tillman had 12 points and six rebounds while Jaren Jackson Jr led the bench with 23 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (32-27) were led by Damian Lillard and his 27 points, three rebounds and five assists. Jusuf Nurkic accrued 26 points, 17 rebounds and five assists. C.J. McCollum collected 22 points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Norman Powell compiled 13 points, two rebounds and two assists while Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 13 points.
These teams have a rematch on Sunday, with Portland playing host yet again.