Pistons Pull Huge Upset, Top Jazz At Home
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Utah Jazz, 126-116, at Little Caesars Arena on Monday night.
The Pistons (9-30) secured one of their biggest wins of the season since they overcame a slow start to get past the Jazz (28-13) in front of their own crowd. Utah got off to a better start and jumped out to a 35-21 lead in the first quarter, but Detroit began their turnaround when they won the second quarter by a slim one-point margin (27-26). It wouldn't be until the third quarter when the Pistons would pull away for good, as they delivered one of their best stretches of basketball on the season to outscore the Jazz by a 40-23 score. Detroit would complete the win after winning the final quarter by a 38-32 score as well. With the win, Detroit improved to 6-13 at home while Utah fell to 14-6 when playing on the road.
Cade Cunningham and Saddiq Bey both led the Pistons with matching 29-point performances -- the rookie point guard also posted eight assists, two steals and two blocks, while the second-year forward also grabbed six rebounds. Hamidou Diallo notched 10 points and eight rebounds while also adding four assists and two steals. Cory Joseph had 16 points and four assists off the bench, while Trey Lyles posted 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal.
Donovan Mitchell was the best player for Utah since he ended with 31 points and four assists, while Hassan Whiteside posted 21 points and 14 rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered 12 points and four boards, and Mike Conley stuffed the stat sheet after posting 13 points, eight assists and five rebounds. Jordan Clarkson posted 16 points, five boards and three assists off the bench.
The Pistons (9-30) secured one of their biggest wins of the season since they overcame a slow start to get past the Jazz (28-13) in front of their own crowd. Utah got off to a better start and jumped out to a 35-21 lead in the first quarter, but Detroit began their turnaround when they won the second quarter by a slim one-point margin (27-26). It wouldn't be until the third quarter when the Pistons would pull away for good, as they delivered one of their best stretches of basketball on the season to outscore the Jazz by a 40-23 score. Detroit would complete the win after winning the final quarter by a 38-32 score as well. With the win, Detroit improved to 6-13 at home while Utah fell to 14-6 when playing on the road.
Cade Cunningham and Saddiq Bey both led the Pistons with matching 29-point performances -- the rookie point guard also posted eight assists, two steals and two blocks, while the second-year forward also grabbed six rebounds. Hamidou Diallo notched 10 points and eight rebounds while also adding four assists and two steals. Cory Joseph had 16 points and four assists off the bench, while Trey Lyles posted 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal.
Donovan Mitchell was the best player for Utah since he ended with 31 points and four assists, while Hassan Whiteside posted 21 points and 14 rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic delivered 12 points and four boards, and Mike Conley stuffed the stat sheet after posting 13 points, eight assists and five rebounds. Jordan Clarkson posted 16 points, five boards and three assists off the bench.
Hornets Edge Bucks Again, 103-99
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 103-99, at Spectrum Center on Monday night.
The Bucks (26-17) checked into the contest looking to exact a little revenge for a 114-106 loss to the Hornets (22-19) on Saturday night, but matters didn't start off well in that regard whatsoever. Charlotte owned a 28-19 lead after one quarter, yet Milwaukee essentially returned the favor in the second quarter to take a one-point lead into halftime. The home squad then regrouped at intermission to put together its best offensive quarter of the night in the third, posting 36 points to forge a nine-point edge heading into the final period. True to the tenor of the contest, that wouldn't be it for the visitors, which clawed all the way back to forge a 99-99 tie with 35.4 seconds left before a LaMelo Ball floating jumper and a pair of Miles Bridges free throws sealed the hard-fought win for the hosts.
Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 27 points, complementing them with 11 assists, seven rebounds and three steals. Giannis Antetokounmpo followed with a 26-point, 13-rebound double-double that included eight assists, one steal and one block. Jordan Nwora produced 18 points, three boards, one assist and two steals. Wesley Matthews furnished 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bobby Portis mustered just five points but pulled down 11 rebounds.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 27 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Ball compiled 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. Bridges supplied a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one steal and one block. Gordon Hayward netted 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Bucks return home to host the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, while the Hornets visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.
The Bucks (26-17) checked into the contest looking to exact a little revenge for a 114-106 loss to the Hornets (22-19) on Saturday night, but matters didn't start off well in that regard whatsoever. Charlotte owned a 28-19 lead after one quarter, yet Milwaukee essentially returned the favor in the second quarter to take a one-point lead into halftime. The home squad then regrouped at intermission to put together its best offensive quarter of the night in the third, posting 36 points to forge a nine-point edge heading into the final period. True to the tenor of the contest, that wouldn't be it for the visitors, which clawed all the way back to forge a 99-99 tie with 35.4 seconds left before a LaMelo Ball floating jumper and a pair of Miles Bridges free throws sealed the hard-fought win for the hosts.
Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 27 points, complementing them with 11 assists, seven rebounds and three steals. Giannis Antetokounmpo followed with a 26-point, 13-rebound double-double that included eight assists, one steal and one block. Jordan Nwora produced 18 points, three boards, one assist and two steals. Wesley Matthews furnished 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bobby Portis mustered just five points but pulled down 11 rebounds.
Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 27 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Ball compiled 23 points, five rebounds and three assists. Bridges supplied a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists, one steal and one block. Gordon Hayward netted 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
The Bucks return home to host the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, while the Hornets visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night.
Celtics Edge Pacers in OT, 101-98
The Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers in overtime, 101-98, at TD Garden on Monday night.
The Celtics (20-21) came into Monday's contest trying to build on an impressively dominant 99-75 win over the Knicks on Saturday night, and they seemed to carry over that momentum into a first quarter they emerged from with a 23-17 lead. The Pacers (15-26) did manage to cut their deficit in half going into intermission, but Boston had extended its edge to eight points by the start of the final period. However, as they've been wont to do this season, the hosts ultimately surrendered their advantage and actually needed a Jayson Tatum jumper with 1.8 seconds left to force overtime. The Celtics then saw Tatum save the day in the extra period, as he made a pair of free throws with 2.5 seconds left to give them some key breathing room.
Torrey Craig led the Pacers with 19 points, adding four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Lance Stephenson turned in 14 points, four boards and one assist. Domantas Sabonis generated an 11-point, 23-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one steal. Justin Holiday, Keifer Sykes and Jeremy Lamb all posted 11 points each.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 26 points, supplementing them with 15 rebounds, six assists and one block. Tatum finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds and one assist. Robert Williams posted a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist, four steals and three blocks. Marcus Smart netted 11 points.
The two teams reconvene at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday night for the second installment of the home-and-home set.
The Celtics (20-21) came into Monday's contest trying to build on an impressively dominant 99-75 win over the Knicks on Saturday night, and they seemed to carry over that momentum into a first quarter they emerged from with a 23-17 lead. The Pacers (15-26) did manage to cut their deficit in half going into intermission, but Boston had extended its edge to eight points by the start of the final period. However, as they've been wont to do this season, the hosts ultimately surrendered their advantage and actually needed a Jayson Tatum jumper with 1.8 seconds left to force overtime. The Celtics then saw Tatum save the day in the extra period, as he made a pair of free throws with 2.5 seconds left to give them some key breathing room.
Torrey Craig led the Pacers with 19 points, adding four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Lance Stephenson turned in 14 points, four boards and one assist. Domantas Sabonis generated an 11-point, 23-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one steal. Justin Holiday, Keifer Sykes and Jeremy Lamb all posted 11 points each.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 26 points, supplementing them with 15 rebounds, six assists and one block. Tatum finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds and one assist. Robert Williams posted a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist, four steals and three blocks. Marcus Smart netted 11 points.
The two teams reconvene at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday night for the second installment of the home-and-home set.
Knicks Confident In Home Win
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 111-96, at Madison Square Garden on Monday evening.
The Spurs got out to a good start and led, 26-23, after one quarter. The Knicks kept it close through the second and pulled ahead with a two-point lead by halftime. The Knicks kept the edge through most of the third and managed to increase their advantage to seven, heading into the final frame. The Spurs had no answers in the fourth as the Knicks added another eight points to their lead for the impressive home win. This marks the third straight loss for the Spurs
RJ Barrett led the way for the Knicks with 31 points, three rebounds, four assists and a block, in 31 minutes. Evan Fournier followed up with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Mitchell Robinson totaled 13 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks and a steal. The Knicks shot 49 percent from the field, including 13-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 24 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, in 30 minutes. Lonnie Walker followed up with 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jakob Poeltl totaled 12 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Spurs shot 41 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from deep.
The Spurs (15-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Wednesday. The Knicks (20-21) play host to the Mavs on Wednesday.
The Spurs got out to a good start and led, 26-23, after one quarter. The Knicks kept it close through the second and pulled ahead with a two-point lead by halftime. The Knicks kept the edge through most of the third and managed to increase their advantage to seven, heading into the final frame. The Spurs had no answers in the fourth as the Knicks added another eight points to their lead for the impressive home win. This marks the third straight loss for the Spurs
RJ Barrett led the way for the Knicks with 31 points, three rebounds, four assists and a block, in 31 minutes. Evan Fournier followed up with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Mitchell Robinson totaled 13 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks and a steal. The Knicks shot 49 percent from the field, including 13-of-32 from long range.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray led the Spurs with 24 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block, in 30 minutes. Lonnie Walker followed up with 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jakob Poeltl totaled 12 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. The Spurs shot 41 percent from the field, including 8-of-29 from deep.
The Spurs (15-25) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Rockets on Wednesday. The Knicks (20-21) play host to the Mavs on Wednesday.
Sixers Log Seventh Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the host Houston Rockets, 111-91, at Toyota Center on Monday evening.
The Sixers jumped out to a strong start with a, 36-27, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead to 12 points, by halftime. The Rockets could not come up with anything better in the second half, as the visitors rallied to make it a 19-point game after three quarters. The 76ers hung on through the fourth and closed out their seventh straight win. This marks the third consecutive loss for the Rockets.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 31 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal, in 26 minutes. Andre Drummond logged 13 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Tobias Harris finished with 13 points, four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. The 76ers shot 46 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green and Christian Wood tallied 14 points each to lead the Rockets. Josh Christopher chipped in 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, off the bench, while Daniel Theis tallied 12 points, four rebounds, two steals and a block. The Rockets shot 39 percent from the field, including 13-of-42 from deep.
The Rockets (11-31) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Wednesday. The Sixers (23-16) play host to the Hornets on Wednesday.
The Sixers jumped out to a strong start with a, 36-27, lead after one quarter. They stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead to 12 points, by halftime. The Rockets could not come up with anything better in the second half, as the visitors rallied to make it a 19-point game after three quarters. The 76ers hung on through the fourth and closed out their seventh straight win. This marks the third consecutive loss for the Rockets.
Joel Embiid led the 76ers with 31 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal, in 26 minutes. Andre Drummond logged 13 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Tobias Harris finished with 13 points, four rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. The 76ers shot 46 percent from the field, including 10-of-35 from long range.
Meanwhile, Jalen Green and Christian Wood tallied 14 points each to lead the Rockets. Josh Christopher chipped in 13 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, off the bench, while Daniel Theis tallied 12 points, four rebounds, two steals and a block. The Rockets shot 39 percent from the field, including 13-of-42 from deep.
The Rockets (11-31) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Wednesday. The Sixers (23-16) play host to the Hornets on Wednesday.
Trail Blazers Defeat Nets, 114-108
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the visiting Brooklyn Nets, 114-108, at Moda Center on Monday.
It took six ties and 16 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team ever attaining a double-digit lead. With that said, Portland rode a 32-19 third quarter to their victory, holding the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter after that lopsided frame. The Trail Blazers out-rebounded the Nets, 47-42. In addition, Portland shot 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding Brooklyn to 46 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. They also had all five starters score at least 13 points, while the Nets had just two starters score more than five points.
The Nets (25-14) were led by Kevin Durant and his 28 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Kyrie Irving collected 22 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The other three starters combined for 11 points, five rebounds and five assists. Cam Thomas led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds and three steals.
The Trail Blazers (16-24) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 23 points, six rebounds and 11 assists. Robert Covington registered 21 points, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Ben McLemore had 20 points, five rebounds and two blocks, while Jusuf Nurkic compiled 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Nassir Little also provided 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
On deck for Brooklyn is a road matchup with the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. As for Portland, they return to action on Thursday when they travel to face the Denver Nuggets.
It took six ties and 16 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team ever attaining a double-digit lead. With that said, Portland rode a 32-19 third quarter to their victory, holding the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter after that lopsided frame. The Trail Blazers out-rebounded the Nets, 47-42. In addition, Portland shot 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range while holding Brooklyn to 46 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. They also had all five starters score at least 13 points, while the Nets had just two starters score more than five points.
The Nets (25-14) were led by Kevin Durant and his 28 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals. Kyrie Irving collected 22 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The other three starters combined for 11 points, five rebounds and five assists. Cam Thomas led the bench with 21 points, three rebounds and three steals.
The Trail Blazers (16-24) were led by Anfernee Simons, accruing 23 points, six rebounds and 11 assists. Robert Covington registered 21 points, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Ben McLemore had 20 points, five rebounds and two blocks, while Jusuf Nurkic compiled 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Nassir Little also provided 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
On deck for Brooklyn is a road matchup with the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. As for Portland, they return to action on Thursday when they travel to face the Denver Nuggets.
Cavaliers Defeat Kings, 109-108
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Sacramento Kings, 109-108, at Golden 1 Center on Monday.
While there were only four ties and four lead changes in this game, Cleveland led for all but two minutes. That can be attributed to a 62-49 halftime lead. Sacramento actually grabbed a game-high 94-89 lead with eight minutes remaining but Cleveland finished on a 20-14 run to grab their victory. With that said, the Kings scored the final nine points over the closing 2:30 but Sacramento was unable to hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer. The Cavaliers shot 49 percent from the field while holding the Kings to 43 percent shooting. In addition, Cleveland out-rebounded Sacramento, 48-43, while out-assisting them, 29-20.
The Cavaliers (23-18) were led by Jarrett Allen, accruing 18 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks. Evan Mobley accrued 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Lauri Markkanen totaled 15 points and five rebounds, while Darius Garland generated 12 points, five rebounds and 11 assists. Kevin Love led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Kings (16-27) were led by Tyrese Haliburton, tallying 21 points, two rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Harrison Barnes had 14 points, three rebounds and two assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 12 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Marvin Bagley and Alex Len grabbed 10 boards apiece. Buddy Hield led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday against tough Western Conference teams, with Sacramento staying home to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland traveling to play the Utah Jazz.
While there were only four ties and four lead changes in this game, Cleveland led for all but two minutes. That can be attributed to a 62-49 halftime lead. Sacramento actually grabbed a game-high 94-89 lead with eight minutes remaining but Cleveland finished on a 20-14 run to grab their victory. With that said, the Kings scored the final nine points over the closing 2:30 but Sacramento was unable to hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer. The Cavaliers shot 49 percent from the field while holding the Kings to 43 percent shooting. In addition, Cleveland out-rebounded Sacramento, 48-43, while out-assisting them, 29-20.
The Cavaliers (23-18) were led by Jarrett Allen, accruing 18 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks. Evan Mobley accrued 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Lauri Markkanen totaled 15 points and five rebounds, while Darius Garland generated 12 points, five rebounds and 11 assists. Kevin Love led the bench with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Kings (16-27) were led by Tyrese Haliburton, tallying 21 points, two rebounds, eight assists and three steals. Harrison Barnes had 14 points, three rebounds and two assists. De'Aaron Fox finished with 12 points, four rebounds and four assists, while Marvin Bagley and Alex Len grabbed 10 boards apiece. Buddy Hield led the bench with 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday against tough Western Conference teams, with Sacramento staying home to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland traveling to play the Utah Jazz.