Hawks Push Lakers Losing Streak To Three Games
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, 129-121, at StateFarm Arena on Sunday.
The Hawks (24-25) continue to move close to the .500 mark and this time, they delivered a solid output to take care of a depleted Lakers (24-27) team, though that might not have been the outcome based on how the game started as the Hawks needed a late fourth-quarter comeback to snatch the victory. Atlanta grabbed a tight 34-33 lead after the first quarter and the Lakers were actually in control by the time halftime arrived, as they were up by nine points following a 38-28 second quarter. The Lakers made it a double-digit game with only 12 minutes left following a 30-29 score, but the Hawks came out of nowhere to flip the script. Atlanta outscored Los Angeles by 18 points (38-20) in the fourth quarter and that allowed them to escape with the victory, though the outcome of the game could've easily been a different one.
Trae Young led the Hawks in this one since he ended with 36 points and 12 assists, while John Collins reported 20 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and two assists. Clint Capela recorded 15 points and nine rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu looked good off the bench and posted 16 points with five rebounds, and Bogdan Bogdanovic mustered 10 points across 27 minutes off the bench. The Hawks shot 58.3 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from deep.
Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook led the Lakers, but their efforts were not enough. While Davis ended with 27 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, Westbrook contributed 20 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds. Malik Monk was the team’ highest scorer and posted 33 points to go along with 10 rebounds and five dimes.
The Hawks (24-25) continue to move close to the .500 mark and this time, they delivered a solid output to take care of a depleted Lakers (24-27) team, though that might not have been the outcome based on how the game started as the Hawks needed a late fourth-quarter comeback to snatch the victory. Atlanta grabbed a tight 34-33 lead after the first quarter and the Lakers were actually in control by the time halftime arrived, as they were up by nine points following a 38-28 second quarter. The Lakers made it a double-digit game with only 12 minutes left following a 30-29 score, but the Hawks came out of nowhere to flip the script. Atlanta outscored Los Angeles by 18 points (38-20) in the fourth quarter and that allowed them to escape with the victory, though the outcome of the game could've easily been a different one.
Trae Young led the Hawks in this one since he ended with 36 points and 12 assists, while John Collins reported 20 points, 11 rebounds, three steals and two assists. Clint Capela recorded 15 points and nine rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu looked good off the bench and posted 16 points with five rebounds, and Bogdan Bogdanovic mustered 10 points across 27 minutes off the bench. The Hawks shot 58.3 percent from the field and 32.3 percent from deep.
Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook led the Lakers, but their efforts were not enough. While Davis ended with 27 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, Westbrook contributed 20 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds. Malik Monk was the team’ highest scorer and posted 33 points to go along with 10 rebounds and five dimes.
Clippers Come From Behind To Get Past Hornets
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 115-90, at Spectrum Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Clippers (26-26) are back in .500 following a strong game against the Hornets (28-23) on Sunday, as they fell into a hole early but produced a magnificent comeback to turn things around. Charlotte raced out to a 25-24 lead in the first quarter, but the Clippers quickly grabbed control of the contest before halftime with a 27-22 score in the second quarter. That would only be a sign of things to come, though, as the Clippers grabbed firm control of the contest with a 33-29 score in the third period before eventually closing things out with a 31-14 score in the final 12 minutes. The Hornets looked gassed out at the end of the contest and the Clippers took full advantage of that. Los Angeles shot 52.4 percent from the field in this one, while the Hornets shot just 32.7 percent. That was the main difference maker in this contest.
Reggie Jackson was the best player for the Clippers and ended with 19 points and five assists, while Marcus Morris delivered 16 points and three rebounds. Brandon Boston looked impressive off the bench and registered a team-high 19 points as well, but he also contributed five rebounds and two dimes. Luke Kennard continued his sizzling stretch of play and recorded 14 points with 10 rebounds. Justise Winslow ended with 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 23 points and 10 assists while also adding six rebounds, and Miles Bridges contributed 18 points while adding nine rebounds and two assists. Mason Plumlee recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds but also added four assists, while Terry Rozier had 10 points, five boards and three dimes. P.J. Washington had 10 points.
The Clippers (26-26) are back in .500 following a strong game against the Hornets (28-23) on Sunday, as they fell into a hole early but produced a magnificent comeback to turn things around. Charlotte raced out to a 25-24 lead in the first quarter, but the Clippers quickly grabbed control of the contest before halftime with a 27-22 score in the second quarter. That would only be a sign of things to come, though, as the Clippers grabbed firm control of the contest with a 33-29 score in the third period before eventually closing things out with a 31-14 score in the final 12 minutes. The Hornets looked gassed out at the end of the contest and the Clippers took full advantage of that. Los Angeles shot 52.4 percent from the field in this one, while the Hornets shot just 32.7 percent. That was the main difference maker in this contest.
Reggie Jackson was the best player for the Clippers and ended with 19 points and five assists, while Marcus Morris delivered 16 points and three rebounds. Brandon Boston looked impressive off the bench and registered a team-high 19 points as well, but he also contributed five rebounds and two dimes. Luke Kennard continued his sizzling stretch of play and recorded 14 points with 10 rebounds. Justise Winslow ended with 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 23 points and 10 assists while also adding six rebounds, and Miles Bridges contributed 18 points while adding nine rebounds and two assists. Mason Plumlee recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds but also added four assists, while Terry Rozier had 10 points, five boards and three dimes. P.J. Washington had 10 points.
Bulls Outlast Trail Blazers, 130-116
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 130-116, at United Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Trail Blazers (21-29) came into the contest with some momentum stemming from three consecutive road victories, and they appeared poised for another strong showing early by jumping out to a 35-29 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Bulls (31-18) came alive in the second quarter, erasing their deficit altogether and building an eight-point lead going into halftime. Chicago then ensured there'd be no post-intermission letdown by adding another four points to their edge in the third and were never in danger of ceding a comeback in the final 12 minutes.
CJ McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 29 points, complementing them with five rebounds and four assists. Norman Powell supplied 22 points, four boards and one assist. Anfernee Simons registered 21 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Robert Covington and Jusuf Nurkic posted matching 11-point tallies while pulling down seven and four rebounds, respectively.
Nikola Vucevic paced the Bulls with a 24-point, 14-rebound double-double, adding three assists, one steal and one block. DeMar DeRozan posted 23 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and two steals. Zach LaVine furnished 20 points, four assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Coby White delivered 18 points, six assists and three rebounds. Javonte Green poured in 16 points and also recorded three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
The Trail Blazers (21-29) came into the contest with some momentum stemming from three consecutive road victories, and they appeared poised for another strong showing early by jumping out to a 35-29 lead through the first 12 minutes. However, the Bulls (31-18) came alive in the second quarter, erasing their deficit altogether and building an eight-point lead going into halftime. Chicago then ensured there'd be no post-intermission letdown by adding another four points to their edge in the third and were never in danger of ceding a comeback in the final 12 minutes.
CJ McCollum led the Trail Blazers with 29 points, complementing them with five rebounds and four assists. Norman Powell supplied 22 points, four boards and one assist. Anfernee Simons registered 21 points, six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Robert Covington and Jusuf Nurkic posted matching 11-point tallies while pulling down seven and four rebounds, respectively.
Nikola Vucevic paced the Bulls with a 24-point, 14-rebound double-double, adding three assists, one steal and one block. DeMar DeRozan posted 23 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and two steals. Zach LaVine furnished 20 points, four assists, two rebounds, one steal and one block. Coby White delivered 18 points, six assists and three rebounds. Javonte Green poured in 16 points and also recorded three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday night, while the Bulls remain home and host the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
Pistons Surprise Cavaliers, 115-105
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 115-105, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday evening.
The Cavaliers (30-20) came into the contest as comfortable road favorites with good reason, considering the disparity between the teams' records. Cleveland did indeed jump out to a 29-24 lead through one, but their advantage had only grown by one by halftime. That left the Pistons (12-37) very much within striking distance, and Detroit did indeed manage to whittle away two points from its deficit during the third quarter. Ultimately, the home squad went on a furious 26-7 run over the final 7:37 after falling behind by as much as nine, with Cade Cunningham scoring 10 of those points as part of his 19-point effort.
Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 24 points, adding seven assists and four rebounds. Evan Mobley followed with 18 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Jarrett Allen totaled 15 points, nine boards, three assists and two blocks. Dean Wade turned in 14 points, four boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Cedi Osman poured in 13 points.
Saddiq Bey paced the Pistons with 31 points, supplementing them with three assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Cunningham and Frank Jackson posted 19 points each, with Cunningham also recording 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Trey Lyles supplied 15 points, seven boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Isaiah Stewart generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist.
The Cavaliers return home and host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, while the Pistons remain home and host the Pelicans as well on Tuesday night.
The Cavaliers (30-20) came into the contest as comfortable road favorites with good reason, considering the disparity between the teams' records. Cleveland did indeed jump out to a 29-24 lead through one, but their advantage had only grown by one by halftime. That left the Pistons (12-37) very much within striking distance, and Detroit did indeed manage to whittle away two points from its deficit during the third quarter. Ultimately, the home squad went on a furious 26-7 run over the final 7:37 after falling behind by as much as nine, with Cade Cunningham scoring 10 of those points as part of his 19-point effort.
Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 24 points, adding seven assists and four rebounds. Evan Mobley followed with 18 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, two assists and three blocks. Jarrett Allen totaled 15 points, nine boards, three assists and two blocks. Dean Wade turned in 14 points, four boards, one assist, one steal and one block. Cedi Osman poured in 13 points.
Saddiq Bey paced the Pistons with 31 points, supplementing them with three assists, one rebound, one steal and one block. Cunningham and Frank Jackson posted 19 points each, with Cunningham also recording 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Trey Lyles supplied 15 points, seven boards, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Isaiah Stewart generated a 14-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist.
The Cavaliers return home and host the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night, while the Pistons remain home and host the Pelicans as well on Tuesday night.
Nuggets Blowout Bucks In Milwaukee
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Milwaukee Bucks, 136-100, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Nuggets led, 33-30, after one quarter. The Nuggets kept the upper hand in the second and pushed their lead to eight, by halftime. The Bucks came out flat in the third and lost control of the game, as they were outscored, by 14 points in the quarter, making it a 22-point deficit, heading into the final frame. The Nuggets did not let up in the fourth as they outscored the hosts, 33-19, in the quarter to rally to their fifth straight win.
Aaron Gordon led the way for the Nuggets, with 24 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block, in 28 minutes. Nikola Jokic totaled 18 points, nine rebounds, 15 assists, three steals and a block, while Monte Morris added 18 points, two rebounds and seven assists. The Nuggets shot 60 percent from the field, including 23-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 29 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 31 minutes. Jrue Holiday followed up with 14 points, five rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, while Bobby Portis and Grayson Allen chipped in 11 points each. The Bucks shot 47 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from deep.
The Bucks (31-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Tuesday. The Nuggets (28-21) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Tuesday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Nuggets led, 33-30, after one quarter. The Nuggets kept the upper hand in the second and pushed their lead to eight, by halftime. The Bucks came out flat in the third and lost control of the game, as they were outscored, by 14 points in the quarter, making it a 22-point deficit, heading into the final frame. The Nuggets did not let up in the fourth as they outscored the hosts, 33-19, in the quarter to rally to their fifth straight win.
Aaron Gordon led the way for the Nuggets, with 24 points, seven rebounds, a steal and a block, in 28 minutes. Nikola Jokic totaled 18 points, nine rebounds, 15 assists, three steals and a block, while Monte Morris added 18 points, two rebounds and seven assists. The Nuggets shot 60 percent from the field, including 23-of-43 from long range.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 29 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 31 minutes. Jrue Holiday followed up with 14 points, five rebounds, eight assists, a steal and a block, while Bobby Portis and Grayson Allen chipped in 11 points each. The Bucks shot 47 percent from the field, including 10-of-30 from deep.
The Bucks (31-21) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Tuesday. The Nuggets (28-21) take on the Timberwolves in Minnesota on Tuesday.
Magic Outlast Mavs For Second Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Orlando Magic defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 110-108, at Amway Center on Sunday evening.
The Mavericks jumped out to a great start and led, 34-23, after one quarter. The Magic responded in the second and outscored the visitors, 41-25, to take a five-point lead by halftime. The Magic pushed it to an 11-point game early in the third, but the Mavs chipped it down to a three-point game, heading into the final frame. The Magic stayed on top to start the fourth, but the Mavs rallied to take a four-point lead, with five minutes left. However, the Magic came up clutch down the stretch and held on for their second straight win.
Chuma Okeke led the Magic with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 24 minutes off the bench. Franz Wagner followed up with 18 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Wendell Carter Jr. followed up with 14 points, 14 rebounds and a steal. The Magic shot 51 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 34 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed u with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Dorian FInney-Smith added 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and a block. The Mavs shot 48 percent from the field, including 16-of-38 from deep.
The Mavericks (29-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Wednesday. The Magic (11-40) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Tuesday.
The Mavericks jumped out to a great start and led, 34-23, after one quarter. The Magic responded in the second and outscored the visitors, 41-25, to take a five-point lead by halftime. The Magic pushed it to an 11-point game early in the third, but the Mavs chipped it down to a three-point game, heading into the final frame. The Magic stayed on top to start the fourth, but the Mavs rallied to take a four-point lead, with five minutes left. However, the Magic came up clutch down the stretch and held on for their second straight win.
Chuma Okeke led the Magic with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals, in 24 minutes off the bench. Franz Wagner followed up with 18 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Wendell Carter Jr. followed up with 14 points, 14 rebounds and a steal. The Magic shot 51 percent from the field, including 11-of-34 from deep.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic led the Mavs with 34 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Jalen Brunson followed u with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Dorian FInney-Smith added 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and a block. The Mavs shot 48 percent from the field, including 16-of-38 from deep.
The Mavericks (29-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Thunder on Wednesday. The Magic (11-40) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Tuesday.
T'Wolves Defeat Jazz, 126-106
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Utah Jazz, 126-106, at Target Center on Sunday.
While there were five lead changes in the first half, Minnesota never relinquished the lead in the second half, thanks to a 40-27 third quarter. They got their lead up to 21 points at times and led by at least 14 points for the entirety of the final frame. The Timberwolves shot 56 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line while the Jazz shot 47 percent from the field, 38 percent from long range and 71 percent from the charity stripe. The T'Wolves also out-assisted the Jazz, 35-23.
The Jazz (30-21) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic and his 23 points, four rebounds and two assists. Mike Conley collected 22 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals. Hassan Whiteside had seven points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 17 points, two rebounds and five assists.
The Timberwolves (25-25) got a triple-double from Karl-Anthony Towns, tallying 31 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Anthony Edwards accrued 15 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jordan McLaughlin got a start and provided 12 points, four assists and four steals. Jaden McDaniels led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Minnesota is a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. As for Utah, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with Denver as well.
While there were five lead changes in the first half, Minnesota never relinquished the lead in the second half, thanks to a 40-27 third quarter. They got their lead up to 21 points at times and led by at least 14 points for the entirety of the final frame. The Timberwolves shot 56 percent from the field, 42 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line while the Jazz shot 47 percent from the field, 38 percent from long range and 71 percent from the charity stripe. The T'Wolves also out-assisted the Jazz, 35-23.
The Jazz (30-21) were led by Bojan Bogdanovic and his 23 points, four rebounds and two assists. Mike Conley collected 22 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals. Hassan Whiteside had seven points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Jordan Clarkson led the bench with 17 points, two rebounds and five assists.
The Timberwolves (25-25) got a triple-double from Karl-Anthony Towns, tallying 31 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Anthony Edwards accrued 15 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jordan McLaughlin got a start and provided 12 points, four assists and four steals. Jaden McDaniels led the bench with 22 points, two rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Minnesota is a home matchup with the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. As for Utah, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with Denver as well.
Suns Defeat Spurs, 115-110
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 115-110, at Footprint Center on Sunday.
While San Antonio played this game without their three best players, they made it close until the end. In fact, the Spurs held the lead for the majority of the first three quarters, getting their lead up to a game-high 12 points going into the final frame. Phoenix responded with a 36-19 fourth quarter to complete their comeback, finishing the game on a 9-2 run over the closing two minutes. The Suns shot 50 percent from the field while holding the Spurs to 45 percent shooting. Phoenix also outscored San Antonio in the paint, 52-44.
The Spurs (19-32) were led by Doug McDermott and his 24 points, four rebounds and two assists. Keldon Johnson totaled 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Tre Jones started and tallied 15 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Lonnie Walker IV led the bench with 22 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Suns (40-9) were led by Devin Booker, collecting 28 points and three rebounds. Chris Paul compiled 20 points, eight rebounds and 19 assists. Mikal Bridges finished with 26 points and eight rebounds. Bismack Biyombo amassed 10 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Seven of the nine players who played shot over 44 percent from the field.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Phoenix remaining home to play the Brooklyn Nets and San Antonio returning home to face the Golden State Warriors.
While San Antonio played this game without their three best players, they made it close until the end. In fact, the Spurs held the lead for the majority of the first three quarters, getting their lead up to a game-high 12 points going into the final frame. Phoenix responded with a 36-19 fourth quarter to complete their comeback, finishing the game on a 9-2 run over the closing two minutes. The Suns shot 50 percent from the field while holding the Spurs to 45 percent shooting. Phoenix also outscored San Antonio in the paint, 52-44.
The Spurs (19-32) were led by Doug McDermott and his 24 points, four rebounds and two assists. Keldon Johnson totaled 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Tre Jones started and tallied 15 points, three rebounds and nine assists. Lonnie Walker IV led the bench with 22 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Suns (40-9) were led by Devin Booker, collecting 28 points and three rebounds. Chris Paul compiled 20 points, eight rebounds and 19 assists. Mikal Bridges finished with 26 points and eight rebounds. Bismack Biyombo amassed 10 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Seven of the nine players who played shot over 44 percent from the field.
Both teams return to action on Tuesday, with Phoenix remaining home to play the Brooklyn Nets and San Antonio returning home to face the Golden State Warriors.