Wizards Use Big Second Half To Get Past Thunder
The Washington Wizards defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 122-118, at Capital One Arena on Tuesday night.
The Wizards (21-20) finally moved over the .500 mark after beating the Thunder (13-27), but it wasn't an easy game for them since they had to come from behind to get the victory despite playing at home and despite missing Bradley Beal due to his entrance to the health and safety protocols. Oklahoma City got off to a stronger start and jumped out to a 31-30 lead following the first 12 minutes of action, and they even bolstered that lead after a 30-28 score in the second half. That three-point lead was not something Oklahoma City was able to hold on to, however, as the Wizards flipped the script and jumped out to a one-point advantage after outscoring their rivals by a 36-32 score in the third quarter. The hosts managed to hold on to that one-point advantage and closed things out with a 28-25 score in the fourth quarter. With the win, Washington improved to 11-7 at home while the Wizards fell to 5-14 on the road.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards in this win and finished with 29 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie notched a double-double of 22 points and 10 assists while also grabbing three rebounds. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope notched 16 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Corey Kispert ended with 12 points. Montrezl Harrell delivered an impressive game off the bench and notched 12 points and seven rebounds, but he also had two assists and a block.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the best player for the Thunder and finished with 32 points and eight assists, but he also grabbed three rebounds. Luguentz Dort notched 17 points and five rebounds, and Joe Giddey had another stat-filling performance since he had 18 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Darius Bazley had 14 points and Ty Jerome added 12.
The Wizards (21-20) finally moved over the .500 mark after beating the Thunder (13-27), but it wasn't an easy game for them since they had to come from behind to get the victory despite playing at home and despite missing Bradley Beal due to his entrance to the health and safety protocols. Oklahoma City got off to a stronger start and jumped out to a 31-30 lead following the first 12 minutes of action, and they even bolstered that lead after a 30-28 score in the second half. That three-point lead was not something Oklahoma City was able to hold on to, however, as the Wizards flipped the script and jumped out to a one-point advantage after outscoring their rivals by a 36-32 score in the third quarter. The hosts managed to hold on to that one-point advantage and closed things out with a 28-25 score in the fourth quarter. With the win, Washington improved to 11-7 at home while the Wizards fell to 5-14 on the road.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards in this win and finished with 29 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Spencer Dinwiddie notched a double-double of 22 points and 10 assists while also grabbing three rebounds. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope notched 16 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Corey Kispert ended with 12 points. Montrezl Harrell delivered an impressive game off the bench and notched 12 points and seven rebounds, but he also had two assists and a block.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the best player for the Thunder and finished with 32 points and eight assists, but he also grabbed three rebounds. Luguentz Dort notched 17 points and five rebounds, and Joe Giddey had another stat-filling performance since he had 18 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Darius Bazley had 14 points and Ty Jerome added 12.
Suns Defeat Raptors, 99-95
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 99-95, at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday.
There were 15 ties and 10 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. That was in the first half, with neither team leading by more than six points in the second half. A 30-24 fourth quarter decided things for Phoenix, with the Suns finishing on a 10-5 run across the closing two minutes to prevail. Phoenix shot 47 percent from the field, 34 percent from three-point range and 82 percent from the free-throw line while holding Toronto to 40 percent from the field, 22 percent from long range and 60 percent from the charity stripe. They also out-assisted the Raptors. 25-15.
The Suns (31-9) had all five starters reach double figures in scoring, with Jae Crowder leading the way with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Devin Booker tallied 16 points, five rebounds and three assists. Deandre Ayton amassed 16 points and nine rebounds, while Chris Paul compiled 15 points, 12 assists and five steals.
The Raptors (20-18) were led by OG Anunoby, accruing 25 points and two rebounds. Pascal Siakam provided 22 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Fred VanVleet generated 21 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Chris Boucher led the bench with 13 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks.
Both teams return to action on Friday against struggling teams, with Toronto traveling to face the Detroit Pistons and Phoenix playing the Indiana Pacers on the road as well.
There were 15 ties and 10 lead changes in this game, with neither team leading by more than 11 points. That was in the first half, with neither team leading by more than six points in the second half. A 30-24 fourth quarter decided things for Phoenix, with the Suns finishing on a 10-5 run across the closing two minutes to prevail. Phoenix shot 47 percent from the field, 34 percent from three-point range and 82 percent from the free-throw line while holding Toronto to 40 percent from the field, 22 percent from long range and 60 percent from the charity stripe. They also out-assisted the Raptors. 25-15.
The Suns (31-9) had all five starters reach double figures in scoring, with Jae Crowder leading the way with 19 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Devin Booker tallied 16 points, five rebounds and three assists. Deandre Ayton amassed 16 points and nine rebounds, while Chris Paul compiled 15 points, 12 assists and five steals.
The Raptors (20-18) were led by OG Anunoby, accruing 25 points and two rebounds. Pascal Siakam provided 22 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Fred VanVleet generated 21 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Chris Boucher led the bench with 13 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks.
Both teams return to action on Friday against struggling teams, with Toronto traveling to face the Detroit Pistons and Phoenix playing the Indiana Pacers on the road as well.
Pelicans Defeat T'Wolves, 128-125
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 128-125, at Smoothie King Center on Tuesday.
While there were 14 ties and 19 lead changes in this game, New Orleans held the lead for all but one minute in the second half. That was actually late in the fourth quarter but the Pelicans finished the game on a 17-13 run over the closing 3:30 to prevail. Brandon Ingram was the hero, knocking down a game-winning 30-footer at the buzzer to grab the Pels their win. The Pelicans shot 55 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the T'Wolves to 49 percent from the field and 46 percent from long range. They actually hit their final nine three-pointers in the game. In addition, they out-rebounded Minnesota, 38-32, while out-assisting them, 33-27.
The Timberwolves (20-21) were led by Anthony Edwards, amassing 28 points, four rebounds and five assists. Karl-Anthony Towns collected 26 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals. D'Angelo Russell registered 18 points and 10 assists, while Malik Beasley led the bench with 18 points and four boards.
The Pelicans (15-26) were led by Ingram, finishing with 33 points, four rebounds and nine assists to go along with the game-winner. Josh Hart had 21 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 13 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, while DeVonte' Graham generated 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Minnesota traveling to face the streaking Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans remaining home to play the Los Angeles Clippers.
While there were 14 ties and 19 lead changes in this game, New Orleans held the lead for all but one minute in the second half. That was actually late in the fourth quarter but the Pelicans finished the game on a 17-13 run over the closing 3:30 to prevail. Brandon Ingram was the hero, knocking down a game-winning 30-footer at the buzzer to grab the Pels their win. The Pelicans shot 55 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the T'Wolves to 49 percent from the field and 46 percent from long range. They actually hit their final nine three-pointers in the game. In addition, they out-rebounded Minnesota, 38-32, while out-assisting them, 33-27.
The Timberwolves (20-21) were led by Anthony Edwards, amassing 28 points, four rebounds and five assists. Karl-Anthony Towns collected 26 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals. D'Angelo Russell registered 18 points and 10 assists, while Malik Beasley led the bench with 18 points and four boards.
The Pelicans (15-26) were led by Ingram, finishing with 33 points, four rebounds and nine assists to go along with the game-winner. Josh Hart had 21 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas totaled 13 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, while DeVonte' Graham generated 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Minnesota traveling to face the streaking Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans remaining home to play the Los Angeles Clippers.
Bulls Roll Past Pistons
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 133-87, at United Center on Tuesday evening.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Bulls led, 28-27, after one quarter. They picked up the pace in the second and outscored the visitors by eight points, to take a nine-point advantage into the break. The Bulls turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Pistons, 36-14, in the quarter to push their lead to 31, heading into the final frame. The Pistons had no answers in the fourth, as the Bulls closed out the home win.
Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 22 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 27 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, while Lonzo Ball chipped in 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block. The Bulls shot 54 percent from the field, including 18-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Josh Jackson was the high-point man for the Pistons, with 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, in 29 minutes off the bench. Saddiq Bey added 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, while Isaiah Stewart tallied 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists and four blocks. The Pistons shot 34 percent from the field, including 6-of-35 from long range.
The Pistons (9-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Friday. The Bulls (27-11) play host to the Nets on Wednesday.
The contest got out to a competitive start as the Bulls led, 28-27, after one quarter. They picked up the pace in the second and outscored the visitors by eight points, to take a nine-point advantage into the break. The Bulls turned it up a notch in the third and outscored the Pistons, 36-14, in the quarter to push their lead to 31, heading into the final frame. The Pistons had no answers in the fourth, as the Bulls closed out the home win.
Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with 22 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 27 minutes. DeMar DeRozan followed up with 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, while Lonzo Ball chipped in 18 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals and a block. The Bulls shot 54 percent from the field, including 18-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Josh Jackson was the high-point man for the Pistons, with 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, in 29 minutes off the bench. Saddiq Bey added 14 points, five rebounds, four assists and a block, while Isaiah Stewart tallied 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists and four blocks. The Pistons shot 34 percent from the field, including 6-of-35 from long range.
The Pistons (9-31) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Raptors on Friday. The Bulls (27-11) play host to the Nets on Wednesday.
Grizzlies Come Up Clutch For 10th Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 116-108, at FedEx Forum on Tuesday evening.
The Grizzlies got out to a good start at home and held on to a four-point lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead to a game-high 18 points mid way through the second, but the Warriors cut it back to an eight-point game, by halftime. The Warriors picked up their play in the third and outscored the hosts, 39-28, in the quarter to grab a three-point edge heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies got back on track in the fourth, as they reclaimed the lead early in the quarter and came up clutch down the stretch to secure their 10th straight win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 29 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Ziaire Williams and Tyus Jones followed up with 17 points each, while Jaren Jackson Jr. totaled 13 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and two steals. The Grizzlies shot 44 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Andre Wiggins and Gary Payton chipped in 13 points each. The Warriors shot 43 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from deep.
The Warriors (30-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Thursday. The Grizzlies (29-14) play host to the Timberwolves on Thursday.
The Grizzlies got out to a good start at home and held on to a four-point lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead to a game-high 18 points mid way through the second, but the Warriors cut it back to an eight-point game, by halftime. The Warriors picked up their play in the third and outscored the hosts, 39-28, in the quarter to grab a three-point edge heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies got back on track in the fourth, as they reclaimed the lead early in the quarter and came up clutch down the stretch to secure their 10th straight win.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 29 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two blocks, in 37 minutes. Ziaire Williams and Tyus Jones followed up with 17 points each, while Jaren Jackson Jr. totaled 13 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and two steals. The Grizzlies shot 44 percent from the field, including 14-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and two steals, in 39 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 14 points, three rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Andre Wiggins and Gary Payton chipped in 13 points each. The Warriors shot 43 percent from the field, including 13-of-36 from deep.
The Warriors (30-10) will look to bounce back as they take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Thursday. The Grizzlies (29-14) play host to the Timberwolves on Thursday.
Clippers Edge Nuggets, 87-85
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets, 87-85, at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night.
The Nuggets (20-19) held a narrow 18-16 lead after a defensive-centric first quarter, but they'd opened their advantage up to 13 points by halftime and still held an 11-point edge going into the final period. However, a 31-15 run by the Clippers (21-21) over the first 10:13 of the fourth quarter put the home squad in control, but the comeback win wasn't sealed until Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon both missed baskets in the final 2.5 seconds.
Gordon surprisingly led the Nuggets with 30 points, adding 12 rebounds and one assist. Jokic followed with a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one steal. Jeff Green contributed 12 points and four boards. Monte Morris netted 11 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal.
Amir Coffey paced the Clippers with 18 points, complementing them with seven assists, five rebounds and four steals. Reggie Jackson and Terance Mann registered 13 points each, with Jackson also delivering four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Marcus Morris tallied 12 points, while Eric Bledsoe chipped in 11 points, nine assists, three rebounds and three steals.
The Nuggets return home to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night, while the Clippers hit the road and pay a visit to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night as well.
The Nuggets (20-19) held a narrow 18-16 lead after a defensive-centric first quarter, but they'd opened their advantage up to 13 points by halftime and still held an 11-point edge going into the final period. However, a 31-15 run by the Clippers (21-21) over the first 10:13 of the fourth quarter put the home squad in control, but the comeback win wasn't sealed until Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon both missed baskets in the final 2.5 seconds.
Gordon surprisingly led the Nuggets with 30 points, adding 12 rebounds and one assist. Jokic followed with a 21-point, 13-rebound double-double that included eight assists and one steal. Jeff Green contributed 12 points and four boards. Monte Morris netted 11 points, five assists, three rebounds and one steal.
Amir Coffey paced the Clippers with 18 points, complementing them with seven assists, five rebounds and four steals. Reggie Jackson and Terance Mann registered 13 points each, with Jackson also delivering four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Marcus Morris tallied 12 points, while Eric Bledsoe chipped in 11 points, nine assists, three rebounds and three steals.
The Nuggets return home to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night, while the Clippers hit the road and pay a visit to the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night as well.