Magic Get Off To Impressive Start, Rout Pistons
The Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons, 119-103, at Amway Center on Friday night.
The Magic (10-40) and the Pistons (11-37) are two of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference and are already thinking about next year's draft, but based on what happened in this matchup, it would be reasonable to think one team is far advanced on the rebuilding process compared to the other one -- at least from a development perspective. The Magic got off to a 39-19 score in the first quarter and that allowed them to set the tone of the game early, and they wouldn't look behind the rest of the way. Even though the other three quarters were tight, and the Pistons actually outscored their opponents in two of those, the game was all but over once the opening 12 minutes came to a close. Orlando raced out to a comfortable victory in a game where they shot 49.4 percent from the field, while the Pistons only shot 36.8 percent from the field. That was a deciding factor in the outcome of the contest.
Rookie Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with a 24-point, three-rebound performance, while Mo Bamba registered a double-double after pouring 18 points and 11 rebounds. Cole Anthony finished with 12 points, nine assists and six rebounds, and Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 11 boards and three assists to go along with nine points. Veteran Terrence Ross had 21 points off the bench, and Gary Harris contributed 10 points and six assists off the bench as well.
Cade Cunningham only had eight points for the Pistons in what was a battle between two of the league's best rookies. Saddiq Bey ended with 17 points and five rebounds, while Cory Joseph delivered 10 points. They were the only two Pistons starters that scored in double digits. The leading scorer came off the bench since Trey Lyles posted 18 points while adding two blocks. Frank Jackson had 12 points.
The Magic (10-40) and the Pistons (11-37) are two of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference and are already thinking about next year's draft, but based on what happened in this matchup, it would be reasonable to think one team is far advanced on the rebuilding process compared to the other one -- at least from a development perspective. The Magic got off to a 39-19 score in the first quarter and that allowed them to set the tone of the game early, and they wouldn't look behind the rest of the way. Even though the other three quarters were tight, and the Pistons actually outscored their opponents in two of those, the game was all but over once the opening 12 minutes came to a close. Orlando raced out to a comfortable victory in a game where they shot 49.4 percent from the field, while the Pistons only shot 36.8 percent from the field. That was a deciding factor in the outcome of the contest.
Rookie Franz Wagner led the way for the Magic with a 24-point, three-rebound performance, while Mo Bamba registered a double-double after pouring 18 points and 11 rebounds. Cole Anthony finished with 12 points, nine assists and six rebounds, and Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 11 boards and three assists to go along with nine points. Veteran Terrence Ross had 21 points off the bench, and Gary Harris contributed 10 points and six assists off the bench as well.
Cade Cunningham only had eight points for the Pistons in what was a battle between two of the league's best rookies. Saddiq Bey ended with 17 points and five rebounds, while Cory Joseph delivered 10 points. They were the only two Pistons starters that scored in double digits. The leading scorer came off the bench since Trey Lyles posted 18 points while adding two blocks. Frank Jackson had 12 points.
Hawks Pull Away Late To Defeat Celtics
The Boston Celtics defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 108-92, at StateFarm Arena on Friday night.
The Celtics (25-25) and the Hawks (23-25) could very well be defined as two underperforming teams this season, but at least in this particular game, the Hawks stepped their game up when they needed it the most and raced out to a win thanks to a strong start and a solid finish. Atlanta jumped out to a 32-20 lead following the first quarter and one would have thought they would have taken full control the rest of the way, especially after a 30-27 score in the second quarter. However, Boston played the second half with a bigger sense of urgency and reduced the 15-point deficit to just three points following a 30-18 score in the third period. Boston did not have enough in them to mount a late fourth-quarter comeback and while they kept things close, ultimately the Hawks would end up securing the win following a 28-15 score in the final 12 minutes of action. Atlanta shot 46.1 percent from the field in the win, while the Celtics only shot 34.9 percent from the field in this defeat.
Trae Young and John Collins both led the Hawks in this victory since both scored 21 points -- Young also added nine rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Collins contributed nine boards and four blocks. No other Atlanta starter scored in double digits in this one, though. Bogdan Bogdanovic chipped in with 19 points off the bench, and Danilo Gallinari had 14 points while not missing a single shot from the field.
Jaylen Brown ended with 26 points and 12 rebounds in the loss, while Jayson Tatum contributed 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. Marcus Smart delivered 17 points, six rebounds and two assists, and Robert Williams III posted a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. No other Boston player scored in double digits. Al Horford had one point.
The Celtics (25-25) and the Hawks (23-25) could very well be defined as two underperforming teams this season, but at least in this particular game, the Hawks stepped their game up when they needed it the most and raced out to a win thanks to a strong start and a solid finish. Atlanta jumped out to a 32-20 lead following the first quarter and one would have thought they would have taken full control the rest of the way, especially after a 30-27 score in the second quarter. However, Boston played the second half with a bigger sense of urgency and reduced the 15-point deficit to just three points following a 30-18 score in the third period. Boston did not have enough in them to mount a late fourth-quarter comeback and while they kept things close, ultimately the Hawks would end up securing the win following a 28-15 score in the final 12 minutes of action. Atlanta shot 46.1 percent from the field in the win, while the Celtics only shot 34.9 percent from the field in this defeat.
Trae Young and John Collins both led the Hawks in this victory since both scored 21 points -- Young also added nine rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Collins contributed nine boards and four blocks. No other Atlanta starter scored in double digits in this one, though. Bogdan Bogdanovic chipped in with 19 points off the bench, and Danilo Gallinari had 14 points while not missing a single shot from the field.
Jaylen Brown ended with 26 points and 12 rebounds in the loss, while Jayson Tatum contributed 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. Marcus Smart delivered 17 points, six rebounds and two assists, and Robert Williams III posted a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. No other Boston player scored in double digits. Al Horford had one point.
Hornets Edge Lakers, 117-114
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 117-114, at Spectrum Center on Friday night.
The Hornets (28-22) opened the game with the hot hand, building a 31-21 lead through the first 12 minutes and expanding their advantage to 16 points by halftime. However, the Lakers (24-26) came out of intermission a refocused team, eliminating all but two points from their deficit during the third quarter. That set up a thrilling finish, one that saw Russell Westbrook just miss out on capping off a spectacular second half with a would-be game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
Westbrook led the Lakers with 35 points -- 30 which came after halftime -- adding five assists and four rebounds. Carmelo Anthony totaled 19 points, five boards, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Austin Reaves supplied 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Kent Bazemore poured in 13 points.
Miles Bridges paced the Hornets with 26 points, supplementing them eight boards, six assists, two steals and one block. Ish Smith furnished 22 points, five assists, two rebounds and one block. LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier posted matching 20-point tallies while pulling down seven and six rebounds, respectively. P.J. Washington managed 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Lakers visit the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday afternoon, while the Hornets remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon as well.
The Hornets (28-22) opened the game with the hot hand, building a 31-21 lead through the first 12 minutes and expanding their advantage to 16 points by halftime. However, the Lakers (24-26) came out of intermission a refocused team, eliminating all but two points from their deficit during the third quarter. That set up a thrilling finish, one that saw Russell Westbrook just miss out on capping off a spectacular second half with a would-be game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
Westbrook led the Lakers with 35 points -- 30 which came after halftime -- adding five assists and four rebounds. Carmelo Anthony totaled 19 points, five boards, five assists, two steals and two blocks. Austin Reaves supplied 16 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Kent Bazemore poured in 13 points.
Miles Bridges paced the Hornets with 26 points, supplementing them eight boards, six assists, two steals and one block. Ish Smith furnished 22 points, five assists, two rebounds and one block. LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier posted matching 20-point tallies while pulling down seven and six rebounds, respectively. P.J. Washington managed 12 points, three rebounds, one assist and one block.
The Lakers visit the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday afternoon, while the Hornets remain home and host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon as well.
Nuggets Handle Pelicans, 116-105
The Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 116-105, at Smoothie King Center on Friday night.
The Nuggets (27-21) opened the game with a hot hand, taking a 26-17 lead through one. The Pelicans (18-30) bounced back in the second quarter to knock seven points from their deficit going into halftime, but Denver was up again by eight entering the final period and the advantage held up comfortably the rest of the way.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 29-point, 13-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included two steals. Aaron Gordon tallied 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bryn Forbes poured in 14 points, while Monte Morris provided 13 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and one block. Austin Rivers chipped in 12 points and three assists among his contributions.
Herbert Jones paced the Pelicans with 19 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, three assists and five steals. Willy Hernangomez generated an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double that included three assists, three blocks and one steal. Nickeil Alexander-Walker matched Hernangomez's scoring total and complemented it with four assists, three rebounds and one block. Josh Hart furnished 16 points, eight boards, two assists and one steal. Devonte' Graham and Jaxson Hayes netted 15 and 13 points, respectively, while pulling down three rebounds each. Graham also dished out five assists.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Boston Celtics on Saturday night.
The Nuggets (27-21) opened the game with a hot hand, taking a 26-17 lead through one. The Pelicans (18-30) bounced back in the second quarter to knock seven points from their deficit going into halftime, but Denver was up again by eight entering the final period and the advantage held up comfortably the rest of the way.
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a 29-point, 13-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included two steals. Aaron Gordon tallied 20 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bryn Forbes poured in 14 points, while Monte Morris provided 13 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and one block. Austin Rivers chipped in 12 points and three assists among his contributions.
Herbert Jones paced the Pelicans with 19 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, three assists and five steals. Willy Hernangomez generated an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double that included three assists, three blocks and one steal. Nickeil Alexander-Walker matched Hernangomez's scoring total and complemented it with four assists, three rebounds and one block. Josh Hart furnished 16 points, eight boards, two assists and one steal. Devonte' Graham and Jaxson Hayes netted 15 and 13 points, respectively, while pulling down three rebounds each. Graham also dished out five assists.
The Nuggets remain on the road and visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night, while the Pelicans remain home and host the Boston Celtics on Saturday night.
Trail Blazers Outpace Rockets, 125-110
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Houston Rockets, 125-110, at Toyota Center on Friday night.
The Trail Blazers (21-28) came out of the gates hot, jumping out to a 32-20 lead over the first 12 minutes. The Rockets (14-35) were much more competitive in the second quarter while scoring 33 points, but Portland still held a 13-point advantage at halftime. Houston was able to knock seven points from its deficit in the third quarter, but the visitors were able to outscore their hosts by a 34-25 margin over the final 12 minutes to secure the win.
Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 27 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one steal. CJ McCollum delivered 26 points, five assists and three rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic generated a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one steal and one block. Norman Powell registered 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Robert Covington delivered 13 points, five rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals. Ben McLemore poured in 12 points.
Christian Wood and Garrison Mathews paced the Rockets with matching 21-point tallies, with Wood also posting 15 rebounds and Mathews dishing out three assists among their other contributions. Jalen Green turned in 17 points, five assists, five rebounds and one steal. Kenyon Martin Jr. also pitched in 17 points and managed three rebounds, two assists and one block. Jae'Sean Tate supplied 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and tangle with the Chicago Bulls on Sunday afternoon, while the Rockets host the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.
The Trail Blazers (21-28) came out of the gates hot, jumping out to a 32-20 lead over the first 12 minutes. The Rockets (14-35) were much more competitive in the second quarter while scoring 33 points, but Portland still held a 13-point advantage at halftime. Houston was able to knock seven points from its deficit in the third quarter, but the visitors were able to outscore their hosts by a 34-25 margin over the final 12 minutes to secure the win.
Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 27 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one steal. CJ McCollum delivered 26 points, five assists and three rebounds. Jusuf Nurkic generated a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double that included one steal and one block. Norman Powell registered 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals. Robert Covington delivered 13 points, five rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals. Ben McLemore poured in 12 points.
Christian Wood and Garrison Mathews paced the Rockets with matching 21-point tallies, with Wood also posting 15 rebounds and Mathews dishing out three assists among their other contributions. Jalen Green turned in 17 points, five assists, five rebounds and one steal. Kenyon Martin Jr. also pitched in 17 points and managed three rebounds, two assists and one block. Jae'Sean Tate supplied 12 points, five assists, four rebounds and one steal.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and tangle with the Chicago Bulls on Sunday afternoon, while the Rockets host the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.
Heat Notch Third Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Miami Heat defeated the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, 121-114, at FTX Arena on Friday evening.
The Heat jumped out to a strong start with a, 28-19, lead after one quarter, and they kept the pressure on in the second to push it to a 12-point game, by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Heat maintained control through the quarter and increased their lead to 16 points, heading into the final frame. The visitors mounted a strong push in the fourth and cut it down to a four-point game, with 33 seconds left, but the Heat kept calm and closed out their third straight win.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 26 points, six rebounds, nine assists, three steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Bam Adebayo totaled 20 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Gabe Vincent finished with 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Heat shot 47 percent from the field, including 15-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luke Kennard led the Clippers with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 31 minutes off the bench. Eric Bledsoe followed up with 19 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Amir Coffey added 15 points and three rebounds. The Clippers shot 45 percent from the field, including 9-of-35 from deep.
The Clippers (25-26) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Sunday. The Heat (32-17) play host to the Raptors on Saturday.
The Heat jumped out to a strong start with a, 28-19, lead after one quarter, and they kept the pressure on in the second to push it to a 12-point game, by halftime. Both sides came out strong in the third, but the Heat maintained control through the quarter and increased their lead to 16 points, heading into the final frame. The visitors mounted a strong push in the fourth and cut it down to a four-point game, with 33 seconds left, but the Heat kept calm and closed out their third straight win.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 26 points, six rebounds, nine assists, three steals and a block, in 37 minutes. Bam Adebayo totaled 20 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Gabe Vincent finished with 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Heat shot 47 percent from the field, including 15-of-34 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luke Kennard led the Clippers with 23 points, six rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 31 minutes off the bench. Eric Bledsoe followed up with 19 points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals, while Amir Coffey added 15 points and three rebounds. The Clippers shot 45 percent from the field, including 9-of-35 from deep.
The Clippers (25-26) will look to bounce back as they take on the Hornets in Charlotte on Sunday. The Heat (32-17) play host to the Raptors on Saturday.
Pacers Outlast Thunder In OT
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 113-110, at Paycom Center on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Thunder led, 30-29, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, while the Thunder held on to a three-point lead at halftime. The Thunder came out strong in the third and rallied to a game-high 16 points, before the Pacers cut it back to an eight-point game, heading into the fourth. The Pacers kept the momentum going and pushed the contest right down to the wire, with the score tied at 100, by the end of regulation. The Pacers scored the first points of the extra frame and outplayed the hosts down the stretch to secure the hard-fought road win. This marks the seventh straight loss for the Thunder.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 24 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and two blocks, in 44 minutes. Justin Holiday followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jeremy Lamb chipped in 14 points, off the bench. The Pacers shot 43 percent from the field, including 13-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort led the Thunder with 27 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 41 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Darius Bazley added 14 points, three rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Thunder shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-43 from deep.
The Thunder (14-34) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Monday. The Pacers (18-32) take on the Mavs in Dallas on Saturday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Thunder led, 30-29, after one quarter. The score stayed tight through the second, while the Thunder held on to a three-point lead at halftime. The Thunder came out strong in the third and rallied to a game-high 16 points, before the Pacers cut it back to an eight-point game, heading into the fourth. The Pacers kept the momentum going and pushed the contest right down to the wire, with the score tied at 100, by the end of regulation. The Pacers scored the first points of the extra frame and outplayed the hosts down the stretch to secure the hard-fought road win. This marks the seventh straight loss for the Thunder.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 24 points, 18 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and two blocks, in 44 minutes. Justin Holiday followed up with 22 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jeremy Lamb chipped in 14 points, off the bench. The Pacers shot 43 percent from the field, including 13-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Luguentz Dort led the Thunder with 27 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 41 minutes. Josh Giddey followed up with 15 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a steal, while Darius Bazley added 14 points, three rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Thunder shot 45 percent from the field, including 14-of-43 from deep.
The Thunder (14-34) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Monday. The Pacers (18-32) take on the Mavs in Dallas on Saturday.
Grizzlies Keep Control At Home For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 119-109, at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
The contest got out to a tight start as the Grizzlies led, 31-30, after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, but the hosts maintained the upper hand and rallied to an eight-point lead by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third, but the Jazz could not make any progress, as the Grizzlies made it a 10-point game, heading into the fourth. The Jazz kept up the fight in the final quarter, but the Grizzlies held strong and closed out their second straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Jazz.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 30 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes. Brandon Clarke followed up with 22 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Jaren Jackson Jr. logged 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, six blocks and two steals. The Grizzlies shot 56 percent from the field including 9-of-23 from long range.
Meanwhile, Danuel House Jr. led the Jazz, with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting, in 16 minutes off the bench. Mike Conley followed up with 15 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Bojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson chipped in 13 points each. The Jazz shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 17-of-46 from deep.
The Jazz (30-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Sunday. The Grizzlies (34-17) play host to the Wizards on Saturday.
The contest got out to a tight start as the Grizzlies led, 31-30, after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, but the hosts maintained the upper hand and rallied to an eight-point lead by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third, but the Jazz could not make any progress, as the Grizzlies made it a 10-point game, heading into the fourth. The Jazz kept up the fight in the final quarter, but the Grizzlies held strong and closed out their second straight win. This marks the fourth straight loss for the Jazz.
Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 30 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, a steal and a block, in 36 minutes. Brandon Clarke followed up with 22 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Jaren Jackson Jr. logged 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, six blocks and two steals. The Grizzlies shot 56 percent from the field including 9-of-23 from long range.
Meanwhile, Danuel House Jr. led the Jazz, with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting, in 16 minutes off the bench. Mike Conley followed up with 15 points, three rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Bojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson chipped in 13 points each. The Jazz shot 43.5 percent from the field, including 17-of-46 from deep.
The Jazz (30-20) will look to bounce back as they take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Sunday. The Grizzlies (34-17) play host to the Wizards on Saturday.
Spurs Defeat Bulls, 131-122
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Chicago Bulls, 131-122, at AT&T Center on Friday.
It took seven ties and 12 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points until the fourth quarter. That was San Antonio, grabbing a game-high 13-point lead, thanks to a 35-23 third quarter. Chicago never had a shot to tie the game after that lopsided frame. San Antonio shot 16-of-37 from three-point range while holding Chicago to 8-of-30 from long range. In addition, the Spurs out-rebounded the Bulls, 44-37, while out-assisting them, 35-22. Both teams shot over 52 percent from the field and the two teams combined for just 13 turnovers in this shootout.
The Bulls (30-18) were led by DeMar DeRozan and his 32 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Zach LaVine amassed 30 points, four rebounds and four assists. Nikola Vucevic finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals while Ayo Dosunmu had 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Coby White led the bench with 18 points.
The Spurs (19-31) were led by Dejonute Murray, tallying 29 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists and three steals. Keldon Johnson totaled 23 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Jakob Poeltl provided 21 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while Derrick White accrued 14 points, four rebounds and nine assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Chicago returning home to play the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio traveling to play the surging Phoenix Suns.
It took seven ties and 12 lead changes to determine a winner in this game, with neither team leading by more than 10 points until the fourth quarter. That was San Antonio, grabbing a game-high 13-point lead, thanks to a 35-23 third quarter. Chicago never had a shot to tie the game after that lopsided frame. San Antonio shot 16-of-37 from three-point range while holding Chicago to 8-of-30 from long range. In addition, the Spurs out-rebounded the Bulls, 44-37, while out-assisting them, 35-22. Both teams shot over 52 percent from the field and the two teams combined for just 13 turnovers in this shootout.
The Bulls (30-18) were led by DeMar DeRozan and his 32 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Zach LaVine amassed 30 points, four rebounds and four assists. Nikola Vucevic finished with 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals while Ayo Dosunmu had 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Coby White led the bench with 18 points.
The Spurs (19-31) were led by Dejonute Murray, tallying 29 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists and three steals. Keldon Johnson totaled 23 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Jakob Poeltl provided 21 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while Derrick White accrued 14 points, four rebounds and nine assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Chicago returning home to play the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio traveling to play the surging Phoenix Suns.
Suns Defeat T'Wolves, 134-126
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 134-126, at Footprint Center on Friday.
While there were nine ties and four lead changes in this game, Phoenix led for all but a few minutes. In fact, they rode a 40-32 first quarter to their win, maintaining the lead for the final 27 minutes. The Suns shot 51 percent from the field and 51 percent from three-point range while holding the Timberwolves to 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. In addition, Phoenix out-rebounded Minnesota, 49-38, while out-assisting them, 36-20.
The Timberwolves (24-25) were led by Anthony Edwards and his 27 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Malik Beasley led the bench with 28 points and two rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 23 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Taurean Prince provided 14 points, five rebounds and two assists off the bench as well.
The Suns (39-9) got a triple-double from Chris Paul, collecting 21 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists. Devin Booker led the team with 29 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Cameron Johnson amassed 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Bismack Biyombo totaled 14 points and 12 rebounds. Landry Shamet led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and five assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday with Phoenix remaining home to play the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota returning home to face the fading Utah Jazz.
While there were nine ties and four lead changes in this game, Phoenix led for all but a few minutes. In fact, they rode a 40-32 first quarter to their win, maintaining the lead for the final 27 minutes. The Suns shot 51 percent from the field and 51 percent from three-point range while holding the Timberwolves to 49 percent from the field and 36 percent from long range. In addition, Phoenix out-rebounded Minnesota, 49-38, while out-assisting them, 36-20.
The Timberwolves (24-25) were led by Anthony Edwards and his 27 points, five rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Malik Beasley led the bench with 28 points and two rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 23 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Taurean Prince provided 14 points, five rebounds and two assists off the bench as well.
The Suns (39-9) got a triple-double from Chris Paul, collecting 21 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists. Devin Booker led the team with 29 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Cameron Johnson amassed 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Bismack Biyombo totaled 14 points and 12 rebounds. Landry Shamet led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds and five assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday with Phoenix remaining home to play the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota returning home to face the fading Utah Jazz.
Bucks Defeat Knicks, 123-108
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting New York Knicks, 123-108, at Fiserv Forum on Friday.
A 39-30 first quarter set the foundation for Milwaukee in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. With that said, it stayed within a single-digit margin for all but a handful of minutes. The Bucks largest lead was in the final minutes, which can be attributed to a 28-12 run in the final frame. They did that despite missing 10 of their last 12 shots, getting to the charity stripe at ease. Milwaukee shot 27-of-31 from the free-throw line while New York connected on just 16-of-28. In addition, the Bucks outscored the Knicks in fastbreak points, 19-10, while out-stealing them, 11-6.
The Knicks (23-27) were led by Evan Fournier, finishing with 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists. R.J. Barrett registered 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Julius Randle accumulated nine points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Kemba Walker tallied eight points, five rebounds and seven assists.
The Bucks (31-20) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, tallying 38 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Jrue Holiday had 24 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. Khris Middleton collected 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Grayson Allen generated 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
On deck for Milwaukee is a home matchup versus the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. As for New York, they return to action on Monday against the Sacramento Kings.
A 39-30 first quarter set the foundation for Milwaukee in this victory, winning in wire-to-wire fashion. With that said, it stayed within a single-digit margin for all but a handful of minutes. The Bucks largest lead was in the final minutes, which can be attributed to a 28-12 run in the final frame. They did that despite missing 10 of their last 12 shots, getting to the charity stripe at ease. Milwaukee shot 27-of-31 from the free-throw line while New York connected on just 16-of-28. In addition, the Bucks outscored the Knicks in fastbreak points, 19-10, while out-stealing them, 11-6.
The Knicks (23-27) were led by Evan Fournier, finishing with 25 points, seven rebounds and three assists. R.J. Barrett registered 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Julius Randle accumulated nine points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Kemba Walker tallied eight points, five rebounds and seven assists.
The Bucks (31-20) were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, tallying 38 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Jrue Holiday had 24 points, five rebounds and 10 assists. Khris Middleton collected 20 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Grayson Allen generated 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals.
On deck for Milwaukee is a home matchup versus the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. As for New York, they return to action on Monday against the Sacramento Kings.