Sixers Cruise To Comfortable Win Over Spurs
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 119-100, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.
The Sixers (22-16) didn't have problems securing a win over the Spurs (15-23) in a game they dominated from start to finish. Philadelphia quickly set the tone of the game in the first quarter and outscored the Spurs by 20 points following a 39-19 score, and they never looked back following that impressive start. San Antonio won the second quarter by a 34-32 score and the third one by a 27-26 margin, but while they still found ways to look competitive, the Spurs were still down by 17 points with just 12 minutes left on the clock. Philadelphia didn't have any space for a potential turnaround and won the final quarter by a 22-20 score, closing the game out effectively and extending their winning streak to six contests.
Joel Embiid was the leading scorer for the Sixers since he ended with 31 points and 12 rebounds, while Tobias Harris and Seth Curry produced 23-point tallies each -- Harris also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists, while Curry produced seven boards and seven dimes. Mathyse Thybulle contributed 12 points and two rebounds. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits in this game.
Dejounte Murray was the best player for the Spurs in this game and finished with 27 points, nine assists, five rebounds, three steals and a block. Jakob Poeltl might not have ended with a double-double but posted 17 points and six rebounds. No other Spurs starter had double-digit points, though Keita Bates-Diop and Josh Primo had nine points each. Lonnie Walker IV chipped in with 13 points off the bench.
The Sixers (22-16) didn't have problems securing a win over the Spurs (15-23) in a game they dominated from start to finish. Philadelphia quickly set the tone of the game in the first quarter and outscored the Spurs by 20 points following a 39-19 score, and they never looked back following that impressive start. San Antonio won the second quarter by a 34-32 score and the third one by a 27-26 margin, but while they still found ways to look competitive, the Spurs were still down by 17 points with just 12 minutes left on the clock. Philadelphia didn't have any space for a potential turnaround and won the final quarter by a 22-20 score, closing the game out effectively and extending their winning streak to six contests.
Joel Embiid was the leading scorer for the Sixers since he ended with 31 points and 12 rebounds, while Tobias Harris and Seth Curry produced 23-point tallies each -- Harris also grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists, while Curry produced seven boards and seven dimes. Mathyse Thybulle contributed 12 points and two rebounds. No other Philadelphia player scored in double digits in this game.
Dejounte Murray was the best player for the Spurs in this game and finished with 27 points, nine assists, five rebounds, three steals and a block. Jakob Poeltl might not have ended with a double-double but posted 17 points and six rebounds. No other Spurs starter had double-digit points, though Keita Bates-Diop and Josh Primo had nine points each. Lonnie Walker IV chipped in with 13 points off the bench.
Bucks Come Through, Secure Win Over Nets
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 121-109, at Barclays Center on Friday night.
The Bucks (26-15) and the Nets (24-13) collided in a battle of two contending teams, but the Bucks came through and secured the victory despite playing on the road, repeating what happened in the playoffs last season when Milwaukee eliminated Brooklyn in a thrilling series. The Bucks set the tone of the game quickly and jumped out to a 29-21 lead in the first quarter, an advantage they would extend to the tone of a 31-28 score in the second quarter. Holding a decent 11-point lead at the break, Milwaukee didn't step the foot off the gas and boosted that advantage to 18 points following a 38-31 score in the third quarter, essentially running the Nets out of the building. Brooklyn won the final quarter by a 29-23 score, but that was not enough and the Bucks cruised their way to a comfortable victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks in this win thanks to a 31-point outing that also included nine assists and seven rebounds, while Bobby Portis had a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds. Khris Middleton notched 20 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals, and Jordan Nwora chipped in with 13 points. Wesley Matthews had 12 points and seven boards, and Rodney Hood contributed 10 points off the bench.
Kevin Durant was the leading scorer for the Nets thanks to his 29-point outing that also included nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block, while Nic Claxton ended with 14 points and six rebounds. James Harden stuffed the stat sheet and contributed 16 points, nine rebounds, seven dimes and one block. Cam Thomas supplied 14 points coming off the bench.
The Bucks (26-15) and the Nets (24-13) collided in a battle of two contending teams, but the Bucks came through and secured the victory despite playing on the road, repeating what happened in the playoffs last season when Milwaukee eliminated Brooklyn in a thrilling series. The Bucks set the tone of the game quickly and jumped out to a 29-21 lead in the first quarter, an advantage they would extend to the tone of a 31-28 score in the second quarter. Holding a decent 11-point lead at the break, Milwaukee didn't step the foot off the gas and boosted that advantage to 18 points following a 38-31 score in the third quarter, essentially running the Nets out of the building. Brooklyn won the final quarter by a 29-23 score, but that was not enough and the Bucks cruised their way to a comfortable victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks in this win thanks to a 31-point outing that also included nine assists and seven rebounds, while Bobby Portis had a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds. Khris Middleton notched 20 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals, and Jordan Nwora chipped in with 13 points. Wesley Matthews had 12 points and seven boards, and Rodney Hood contributed 10 points off the bench.
Kevin Durant was the leading scorer for the Nets thanks to his 29-point outing that also included nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block, while Nic Claxton ended with 14 points and six rebounds. James Harden stuffed the stat sheet and contributed 16 points, nine rebounds, seven dimes and one block. Cam Thomas supplied 14 points coming off the bench.
Raptors Topple Short-Handed Jazz, 122-108
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Utah Jazz, 122-108, at Scotiabank Arena on Friday night.
The Jazz (28-11) came into the contest without their entire starting five due to either COVID-19 or injuries, which made their 40-25 lead after one quarter downright shocking. However, the Raptors (19-17) showed a bit more life on the defensive end during the second quarter, limiting Utah to 22 points while putting a modest two-point dent in their deficit. However, the dynamic of the contest really changed in the third, when Toronto outscored Utah by a 45-30 margin to take a two-point edge into the final period. The hosts' subsequent 15-2 run between the 9:16 and 4:23 mark of the fourth quarter then gave them the necessary cushion to eventually notch the comfortable win.
Eric Paschall paced the Jazz with 29 points, complementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Elijah Hughes furnished 26 points, eight boards, four assists and two steals. Jared Butler delivered 17 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Danuel House, Jr. totaled 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block.
Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with a 37-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included two steals and one block. OG Anunoby managed 22 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Pascal Siakam supplied 17 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Chris Boucher registered 13 points, five boards, one assist and two steals. Scottie Barnes contributed 11 points, nine rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block.
The Jazz remain on the road and tangle with the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday evening.
The Jazz (28-11) came into the contest without their entire starting five due to either COVID-19 or injuries, which made their 40-25 lead after one quarter downright shocking. However, the Raptors (19-17) showed a bit more life on the defensive end during the second quarter, limiting Utah to 22 points while putting a modest two-point dent in their deficit. However, the dynamic of the contest really changed in the third, when Toronto outscored Utah by a 45-30 margin to take a two-point edge into the final period. The hosts' subsequent 15-2 run between the 9:16 and 4:23 mark of the fourth quarter then gave them the necessary cushion to eventually notch the comfortable win.
Eric Paschall paced the Jazz with 29 points, complementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Elijah Hughes furnished 26 points, eight boards, four assists and two steals. Jared Butler delivered 17 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Danuel House, Jr. totaled 13 points, four rebounds, four assists and one block.
Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with a 37-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included two steals and one block. OG Anunoby managed 22 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Pascal Siakam supplied 17 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. Chris Boucher registered 13 points, five boards, one assist and two steals. Scottie Barnes contributed 11 points, nine rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block.
The Jazz remain on the road and tangle with the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday evening.
Bulls Get Past Wizards, 130-122
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Washington Wizards, 130-122, at United Center on Friday night.
The Bulls (26-10) came into the contest looking to extend their NBA-best winning streak and got off to a good start in that regard, building a 37-32 lead through one. Chicago had added another pair of points to their advantage by halftime, and they were up by 12 going into the final period to provide enough cushion for the win. Both teams were almost in a dead heat on the stat sheet, and each shot over 50.0 percent from the floor and above 90.0 percent from the free-throw line.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 26 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Kyle Kuzma generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block. Spencer Dinwiddie turned in 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Daniel Gafford and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope posted matching 14-point contributions, with Gafford also pulling down eight rebounds.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 27 points, complementing them with three assists, one rebound and one steal. Coby White totaled 21 points, three assists and two rebounds. Ayo Dosunmu and Lonzo Ball posted matching 18-point tallies, with Dosunmu recording five rebounds, four assists and three steals and Ball checking in with six dimes, five boards and two thefts. Nikola Vucevic generated a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double that included seven assists and four steals. DeMar DeRozan supplied 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds and one block.
The Wizards visit the Orlando Magic on Sunday evening, while the Bulls hit the road to visit the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night.
The Bulls (26-10) came into the contest looking to extend their NBA-best winning streak and got off to a good start in that regard, building a 37-32 lead through one. Chicago had added another pair of points to their advantage by halftime, and they were up by 12 going into the final period to provide enough cushion for the win. Both teams were almost in a dead heat on the stat sheet, and each shot over 50.0 percent from the floor and above 90.0 percent from the free-throw line.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 26 points, adding six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Kyle Kuzma generated a 21-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two assists, two steals and one block. Spencer Dinwiddie turned in 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Daniel Gafford and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope posted matching 14-point contributions, with Gafford also pulling down eight rebounds.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 27 points, complementing them with three assists, one rebound and one steal. Coby White totaled 21 points, three assists and two rebounds. Ayo Dosunmu and Lonzo Ball posted matching 18-point tallies, with Dosunmu recording five rebounds, four assists and three steals and Ball checking in with six dimes, five boards and two thefts. Nikola Vucevic generated a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double that included seven assists and four steals. DeMar DeRozan supplied 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds and one block.
The Wizards visit the Orlando Magic on Sunday evening, while the Bulls hit the road to visit the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night.
Mavs Dominant In Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the host Houston Rockets, 130-106, at Toyota Center on Friday evening.
The Mavs jumped out to a great start with a, 43-23, lead after one quarter. The Rockets gathered themselves in the second but could not cut into the deficit, as each team poured in 37 points in the quarter. The Mavericks kept control in the third and managed to add another three points to their advantage, making it a 24-point game heading into the final frame. The hosts had no answers in the fourth, as the Mavs closed out their fifth straight win.
Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Mavs with 19 points, four rebounds, seven assists, in 24 minutes off the bench. Josh Green followed up with 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Reggie Bullock, Dwight Powell and Jalen Brunson totaled 15 points each. The Mavs shot 54 percent from the field, including 17-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Christian Wood led the Rockets with 20 points, three rebounds, a steal and a block, in 24 minutes. Jae'Sean Tate added 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Garrison Mathews tallied 15 points on 4-of-9 shooting, off the bench. The Rockets shot 42.5 percent from the field, including 12-of-43 from deep.
The Rockets (11-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Sunday. The Mavs (21-18) play host to the Bulls on Sunday.
The Mavs jumped out to a great start with a, 43-23, lead after one quarter. The Rockets gathered themselves in the second but could not cut into the deficit, as each team poured in 37 points in the quarter. The Mavericks kept control in the third and managed to add another three points to their advantage, making it a 24-point game heading into the final frame. The hosts had no answers in the fourth, as the Mavs closed out their fifth straight win.
Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Mavs with 19 points, four rebounds, seven assists, in 24 minutes off the bench. Josh Green followed up with 17 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Reggie Bullock, Dwight Powell and Jalen Brunson totaled 15 points each. The Mavs shot 54 percent from the field, including 17-of-38 from long range.
Meanwhile, Christian Wood led the Rockets with 20 points, three rebounds, a steal and a block, in 24 minutes. Jae'Sean Tate added 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Garrison Mathews tallied 15 points on 4-of-9 shooting, off the bench. The Rockets shot 42.5 percent from the field, including 12-of-43 from deep.
The Rockets (11-29) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Timberwolves on Sunday. The Mavs (21-18) play host to the Bulls on Sunday.
Timberwolves Come Up Huge For Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 135-105, at Paycom Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start as the Timberwolves led, 32-28, after one quarter. The visitors picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Thunder, 41-29, in the quarter, to take a 16-point lead at halftime. The Timberwolves hung on to their advantage through the third and added another seven points to their advantage to make it a 23-point game, heading into the final frame. The Thunder had no answer in the fourth, as the Timberwolves rallied to a game-high 41-point lead on the way to their third straight win.
D'Angelo Russel led the Timberwolves with 27 points, 12 assists and two steals, in 31 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, while Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal. The Timberwolves shot 56 percent from the field, including 17-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort led the Thunder with 18 points, three rebounds and two blocks, in 27 minutes. Aaron Wiggins followed up with 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block. The Thunder shot 40 percent from the field, including 15-of-44 from deep.
The Thunder (13-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Sunday. The Timberwolves (19-20) take on the Rockets in Houston on Sunday.
The contest got out to a tight start as the Timberwolves led, 32-28, after one quarter. The visitors picked up the pace in the second and outscored the Thunder, 41-29, in the quarter, to take a 16-point lead at halftime. The Timberwolves hung on to their advantage through the third and added another seven points to their advantage to make it a 23-point game, heading into the final frame. The Thunder had no answer in the fourth, as the Timberwolves rallied to a game-high 41-point lead on the way to their third straight win.
D'Angelo Russel led the Timberwolves with 27 points, 12 assists and two steals, in 31 minutes. Anthony Edwards followed up with 24 points, six rebounds, seven assists, a steal and a block, while Karl-Anthony Towns totaled 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks and a steal. The Timberwolves shot 56 percent from the field, including 17-of-41 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort led the Thunder with 18 points, three rebounds and two blocks, in 27 minutes. Aaron Wiggins followed up with 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander chipped in 12 points, three rebounds, six assists, two steals and a block. The Thunder shot 40 percent from the field, including 15-of-44 from deep.
The Thunder (13-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Sunday. The Timberwolves (19-20) take on the Rockets in Houston on Sunday.
Nuggets Outlast Kings In Denver
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 121-111, at Ball Arena on Friday evening.
The Nuggets jumped out to a strong start at home with a, 35-23, lead after one quarter. Neither team could make any progress though the second, as both sides added 31 points to their score, as the Nuggets led, 66-54, at halftime. The visitors kept pushing the third, but the Nuggets stayed strong and took an 11-point lead into the final frame. The Kings had no answers in the fourth, as the Nuggets closed out the home win to put an end to a two-game slide.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 33 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Jeff Green followed up with 18 points, three rebounds and a block, while Monte Morris and JaMychal Green chipped in 13 points each. The Nuggets shot 55 percent from the field, including 12-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Alex Len followed up with 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Tyrese Haliburton chipped in 14 points, four rebounds and six assists. The Kings shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from deep.
The Kings (16-25) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Nuggets (19-18) take on the Thunder in OKC on Sunday.
The Nuggets jumped out to a strong start at home with a, 35-23, lead after one quarter. Neither team could make any progress though the second, as both sides added 31 points to their score, as the Nuggets led, 66-54, at halftime. The visitors kept pushing the third, but the Nuggets stayed strong and took an 11-point lead into the final frame. The Kings had no answers in the fourth, as the Nuggets closed out the home win to put an end to a two-game slide.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 33 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Jeff Green followed up with 18 points, three rebounds and a block, while Monte Morris and JaMychal Green chipped in 13 points each. The Nuggets shot 55 percent from the field, including 12-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 30 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Alex Len followed up with 18 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Tyrese Haliburton chipped in 14 points, four rebounds and six assists. The Kings shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 11-of-29 from deep.
The Kings (16-25) will look to bounce back as they take on the Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Nuggets (19-18) take on the Thunder in OKC on Sunday.
Lakers Defeat Hawks, 134-118
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Atlanta Hawks, 134-118, at Crypto Center on Friday.
A 34-28 first quarter allowed the Lakers to hold the lead for all but one minute in this game, riding a 37-26 third quarter to their win. They actually held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, getting their lead up to 21 points at times. Los Angeles shot 50 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line while holding Atlanta to 45 percent from the field, 36 percent from long range and 70 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, the Lakers recorded 37 assists to eight turnovers while the Hawks had 28 assists to 15 turnovers. That can be attributed to the Lakers picking up 14 steals to the Hawks three.
The Hawks (17-21) were led by Trae Young and his 25 points, nine rebounds and 14 assists. John Collins totaled 21 points and eight rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic compiled 15 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Clint Capela had nine points and 11 rebounds. Kevin Huerter led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Lakers (21-19) were led by LeBron James, tallying 32 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, four steals and three blocks. Russell Westbrook fell just shy of a triple-double, collecting nine points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists before fouling out. Malik Monk amassed 29 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Avery Bradley accrued 21 points and six rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker and Carmelo Anthony combined for 38 points off the bench.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Atlanta staying in LA to face the Los Angeles Clippers and the Lakers remaining home to play the Memphis Grizzlies.
A 34-28 first quarter allowed the Lakers to hold the lead for all but one minute in this game, riding a 37-26 third quarter to their win. They actually held a double-digit lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter, getting their lead up to 21 points at times. Los Angeles shot 50 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line while holding Atlanta to 45 percent from the field, 36 percent from long range and 70 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, the Lakers recorded 37 assists to eight turnovers while the Hawks had 28 assists to 15 turnovers. That can be attributed to the Lakers picking up 14 steals to the Hawks three.
The Hawks (17-21) were led by Trae Young and his 25 points, nine rebounds and 14 assists. John Collins totaled 21 points and eight rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic compiled 15 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Clint Capela had nine points and 11 rebounds. Kevin Huerter led the bench with 16 points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Lakers (21-19) were led by LeBron James, tallying 32 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, four steals and three blocks. Russell Westbrook fell just shy of a triple-double, collecting nine points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists before fouling out. Malik Monk amassed 29 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Avery Bradley accrued 21 points and six rebounds. Talen Horton-Tucker and Carmelo Anthony combined for 38 points off the bench.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Atlanta staying in LA to face the Los Angeles Clippers and the Lakers remaining home to play the Memphis Grizzlies.
Cavaliers Defeat Trail Blazers, 114-101
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 114-101, at Moda Center on Friday.
While there were five ties and seven lead changes through the first 20 minutes, Cleveland rode a 57-47 first half to their victory. In fact, that allowed them to hold the lead for the entirety of the second half, finishing the game on a 13-5 run across the closing three minutes. The Cavaliers shot 49 percent from the field and 66 percent from the free-throw line while the Trail Blazers hit 40 percent from the field and 58 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Cleveland out-rebounded Portland, 51-43.
The Cavaliers (22-17) were led by Darius Garland, generating 26 points and six assists. Evan Mobley amassed 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Lauri Markkanan totaled 15 points and five assists, while Jarrett Allen accrued 13 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Cedi Osman led the bench with 14 points.
The Trail Blazers (14-24) were led by Norman Powell and his 19 points, five rebounds and three assists. Robert Covington compiled 17 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkic had 14 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, while Anfernee Simons accumulated 14 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Portland remaining home to play the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland staying west to face the Golden State Warriors.
While there were five ties and seven lead changes through the first 20 minutes, Cleveland rode a 57-47 first half to their victory. In fact, that allowed them to hold the lead for the entirety of the second half, finishing the game on a 13-5 run across the closing three minutes. The Cavaliers shot 49 percent from the field and 66 percent from the free-throw line while the Trail Blazers hit 40 percent from the field and 58 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Cleveland out-rebounded Portland, 51-43.
The Cavaliers (22-17) were led by Darius Garland, generating 26 points and six assists. Evan Mobley amassed 18 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Lauri Markkanan totaled 15 points and five assists, while Jarrett Allen accrued 13 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Cedi Osman led the bench with 14 points.
The Trail Blazers (14-24) were led by Norman Powell and his 19 points, five rebounds and three assists. Robert Covington compiled 17 points, eight rebounds and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkic had 14 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, while Anfernee Simons accumulated 14 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Portland remaining home to play the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland staying west to face the Golden State Warriors.