Cavaliers Rally Back, Get Past Pelicans
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 93-90, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Monday night.
The Cavaliers (31-20) and the Pelicans (18-32) played a tight game and it was a game in which the Pelicans were only a few minutes away from pulling the upset, but Cleveland ended mounting a huge comeback that allowed them to secure the win in front of their own fans. New Orleans jumped out to a 19-17 lead in the first quarter and while the Cavaliers responded with a 21-20 score, the Pelicans seemed to have grabbed full control of the contest with a 27-22 score in the third quarter. New Orleans attempted to close things out down the stretch with a six-point lead, but the Cavaliers woke up just in time and outscored their rivals by a 33-24 score in the final 12 minutes of action. That allowed Cleveland to come away with a massive victory at home, though the outcome of the game could’ve easily been different.
Reserve guard Brandon Goodwin led the way for the Cavaliers with 21 points, while Jarrett Allen had 16 points, eight rebounds and two blocks for the winning cause. Isaac Okoro had 14 points, and Cedi Osman chipped in with seven points and 12 assists. Kevin Love posted 15 points and 11 rebounds while coming off the bench, and Lamar Stevens finished with 11 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Devonte’ Graham led the way for New Orleans with 20 points and four assists, while Josh Hart looked impressive and posted a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds while also adding three assists and two steals. Jaxson Hayes delivered 19 points and seven rebounds, and Jonas Valanciunas contributed 16 points, nine boards and four dimes. No other Pelicans player scored in double digits.
The Cavaliers (31-20) and the Pelicans (18-32) played a tight game and it was a game in which the Pelicans were only a few minutes away from pulling the upset, but Cleveland ended mounting a huge comeback that allowed them to secure the win in front of their own fans. New Orleans jumped out to a 19-17 lead in the first quarter and while the Cavaliers responded with a 21-20 score, the Pelicans seemed to have grabbed full control of the contest with a 27-22 score in the third quarter. New Orleans attempted to close things out down the stretch with a six-point lead, but the Cavaliers woke up just in time and outscored their rivals by a 33-24 score in the final 12 minutes of action. That allowed Cleveland to come away with a massive victory at home, though the outcome of the game could’ve easily been different.
Reserve guard Brandon Goodwin led the way for the Cavaliers with 21 points, while Jarrett Allen had 16 points, eight rebounds and two blocks for the winning cause. Isaac Okoro had 14 points, and Cedi Osman chipped in with seven points and 12 assists. Kevin Love posted 15 points and 11 rebounds while coming off the bench, and Lamar Stevens finished with 11 points, four rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Devonte’ Graham led the way for New Orleans with 20 points and four assists, while Josh Hart looked impressive and posted a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds while also adding three assists and two steals. Jaxson Hayes delivered 19 points and seven rebounds, and Jonas Valanciunas contributed 16 points, nine boards and four dimes. No other Pelicans player scored in double digits.
Pacers Edge Clippers, 122-116
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 122-116, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday night.
The Pacers (19-33) came into the contest with a reputation for getting into some high-scoring tussles, and they lived up to their end of the bargain in the first half by putting up 60 points. However, they also surrendered 55 to the Clippers (26-27), leaving Los Angeles very much within striking distance. The visitors took advantage of that in the third, erasing their deficit altogether and taking a one-point advantage into the final period. Indiana then struck back with a 22-9 run over the first 4:28 of the fourth quarter to reclaim control and subsequently hung on after L.A. got within three.
Amir Coffey paced the Clippers with 27 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Reggie Jackson furnished 21 points, five assists and three rebounds. Serge Ibaka generated a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two blocks and one steal. Eric Bledsoe supplied 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Nicolas Batum matched Bledsoe's scoring tally and also posted two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
Isaiah Jackson led the Pacers with 26 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Caris LeVert delivered 17 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Duane Washington totaled 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Terry Taylor registered 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Justin Holiday managed 13 points, six assists, five rebounds and two blocks. Lance Stephenson compiled 10 points, four assists and three rebounds.
The Clippers return home to host the intra-city rival Lakers on Thursday night, while Pacers remain home to host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.
The Pacers (19-33) came into the contest with a reputation for getting into some high-scoring tussles, and they lived up to their end of the bargain in the first half by putting up 60 points. However, they also surrendered 55 to the Clippers (26-27), leaving Los Angeles very much within striking distance. The visitors took advantage of that in the third, erasing their deficit altogether and taking a one-point advantage into the final period. Indiana then struck back with a 22-9 run over the first 4:28 of the fourth quarter to reclaim control and subsequently hung on after L.A. got within three.
Amir Coffey paced the Clippers with 27 points, complementing them with five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Reggie Jackson furnished 21 points, five assists and three rebounds. Serge Ibaka generated a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that included two blocks and one steal. Eric Bledsoe supplied 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Nicolas Batum matched Bledsoe's scoring tally and also posted two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
Isaiah Jackson led the Pacers with 26 points, complementing them with 10 rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Caris LeVert delivered 17 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Duane Washington totaled 16 points, four rebounds and four assists. Terry Taylor registered 15 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Justin Holiday managed 13 points, six assists, five rebounds and two blocks. Lance Stephenson compiled 10 points, four assists and three rebounds.
The Clippers return home to host the intra-city rival Lakers on Thursday night, while Pacers remain home to host the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.
Sixers Come Up Clutch In OT For Fifth Straight Win
By Dan Bruno
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 122-119, at Wells Fargo Center on Monday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Sixers led, 39-30, after one quarter. The hosts kept the upper hand through the second, but the Grizzlies cut it down to a five-point game, by halftime. The scoring slowed down in the second, while the 76ers held on to take a four-point lead into the final frame. The hosts maintained an edge for most of the fourth, but the Grizzlies kept it close and came up clutch in the final seconds to send the game to overtime. The visitors got out to a good start in the extra frame, but the 76ers closed the period with a, 7-0, run to seal their fifth straight win.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 33 points, three rebounds, eight assists, four blocks and a steal, in 43 minutes. Tobias Harris added 31 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Andre Drummond logged 16 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. The 76ers shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 37 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 34 points, seven rebounds and three steals, while Jaren Jackson Jr. logged 18 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 46 percent from the field, including 6-of-30 from deep.
The Grizzlies (35-18) take on the Knicks in New York on Wednesday. The Sixers (31-19) play host to the Wizards on Wednesday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Sixers led, 39-30, after one quarter. The hosts kept the upper hand through the second, but the Grizzlies cut it down to a five-point game, by halftime. The scoring slowed down in the second, while the 76ers held on to take a four-point lead into the final frame. The hosts maintained an edge for most of the fourth, but the Grizzlies kept it close and came up clutch in the final seconds to send the game to overtime. The visitors got out to a good start in the extra frame, but the 76ers closed the period with a, 7-0, run to seal their fifth straight win.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 33 points, three rebounds, eight assists, four blocks and a steal, in 43 minutes. Tobias Harris added 31 points, five rebounds, five assists and two blocks, while Andre Drummond logged 16 points, 23 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. The 76ers shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-31 from long range.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 37 points, five rebounds, five assists and a steal, in 42 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 34 points, seven rebounds and three steals, while Jaren Jackson Jr. logged 18 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 46 percent from the field, including 6-of-30 from deep.
The Grizzlies (35-18) take on the Knicks in New York on Wednesday. The Sixers (31-19) play host to the Wizards on Wednesday.
Raptors Defeat Hawks Thanks To Second-Half Comeback
The Toronto Raptors defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 106-100, at StateFarm Arena on Monday night.
The Raptors (25-23) and the Hawks (24-26) played a tight encounter that was only decided in the final minutes of the contest, and Toronto’s impressive effort in the second half was the catalyst that helped the Canadian franchise to turn things around after a sluggish start. Even though the Raptors jumped out to a 25-24 lead in the opening quarter, the Hawks grabbed full control and jumped out to a nine-point advantage after outscoring their rivals by a 33-23 score in the second quarter. The Raptors played the second half with a more aggressive approach and restored control of the game with a 32-15 score in the third quarter, setting up the stage to close things out. Even though the Hawks won the final quarter by two points (28-26), it was not enough and Toronto ended up winning the game with ease.
Gary Trent Jr. was the leading scorer for the Raptors and finished with 31 points and six rebounds, while Pascal Siakam had 25 points, six rebounds and four assists while also adding two blocks and two steals. Fred VanVleet had a 16-point, 11-assist double-double, and OG Anunoby recorded 15 points. The Raptors shot 42.7 percent from the field and 50 percent from three.
Kevin Huerter had a bigger responsibility on offense with Trae Young (shoulder) out, and he responded with a 26-point outing that also included two rebounds, two assists and two steals. John Collins had just six points (3-11 FG), and Deandre Hunter delivered 17 points and five rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic ended with 18 points, five rebounds and four dimes while coming off the bench. Atlanta shot 45.7 percent from the floor.
The Raptors (25-23) and the Hawks (24-26) played a tight encounter that was only decided in the final minutes of the contest, and Toronto’s impressive effort in the second half was the catalyst that helped the Canadian franchise to turn things around after a sluggish start. Even though the Raptors jumped out to a 25-24 lead in the opening quarter, the Hawks grabbed full control and jumped out to a nine-point advantage after outscoring their rivals by a 33-23 score in the second quarter. The Raptors played the second half with a more aggressive approach and restored control of the game with a 32-15 score in the third quarter, setting up the stage to close things out. Even though the Hawks won the final quarter by two points (28-26), it was not enough and Toronto ended up winning the game with ease.
Gary Trent Jr. was the leading scorer for the Raptors and finished with 31 points and six rebounds, while Pascal Siakam had 25 points, six rebounds and four assists while also adding two blocks and two steals. Fred VanVleet had a 16-point, 11-assist double-double, and OG Anunoby recorded 15 points. The Raptors shot 42.7 percent from the field and 50 percent from three.
Kevin Huerter had a bigger responsibility on offense with Trae Young (shoulder) out, and he responded with a 26-point outing that also included two rebounds, two assists and two steals. John Collins had just six points (3-11 FG), and Deandre Hunter delivered 17 points and five rebounds. Bogdan Bogdanovic ended with 18 points, five rebounds and four dimes while coming off the bench. Atlanta shot 45.7 percent from the floor.
Celtics Blast Heat, 122-92
The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat, 122-92, at TD Garden on Monday night.
The Celtics (27-25) have been a strong home team all season, and they wasted no time demonstrating why while jumping out to a 27-14 lead through one over the Heat (32-19). Miami, playing without Kyle Lowry (personal), Jimmy Butler (ankle) and P.J. Tucker (knee), did come to life in the second quarter by racking up 31 points and knocking four points from its deficit heading into halftime. However, any thoughts of a comeback were snuffed out by Boston in the third, when the hosts expanded their advantage by another 15 points to make the final period a mere formality.
Max Strus led the Heat with 27 points, complementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Caleb Martin supplied 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tyler Herro furnished 13 points, three assists and two rebounds. Bam Adebayo turned in 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Gabe Vincent registered 10 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 29 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jayson Tatum generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included five assists. Marcus Smart managed 16 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Al Horford contributed 14 points, nine boards, two assists and two blocks. Josh Richardson and Grant Williams posted 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Heat remains on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
The Celtics (27-25) have been a strong home team all season, and they wasted no time demonstrating why while jumping out to a 27-14 lead through one over the Heat (32-19). Miami, playing without Kyle Lowry (personal), Jimmy Butler (ankle) and P.J. Tucker (knee), did come to life in the second quarter by racking up 31 points and knocking four points from its deficit heading into halftime. However, any thoughts of a comeback were snuffed out by Boston in the third, when the hosts expanded their advantage by another 15 points to make the final period a mere formality.
Max Strus led the Heat with 27 points, complementing them with three rebounds and two assists. Caleb Martin supplied 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tyler Herro furnished 13 points, three assists and two rebounds. Bam Adebayo turned in 12 points, five rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block. Gabe Vincent registered 10 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 29 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jayson Tatum generated a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double that included five assists. Marcus Smart managed 16 points, seven assists, two rebounds and two steals. Al Horford contributed 14 points, nine boards, two assists and two blocks. Josh Richardson and Grant Williams posted 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Heat remains on the road and visit the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night, while the Celtics remain home and host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
Knicks Roll Past Kings In New York
By Dan Bruno
The New York Knicks defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 116-96, at Madison Square Garden on Monday evening.
The Knicks jumped out to a strong start with a, 31-23, lead after one quarter. They kept up the momentum in the second and pushed it to a 13-point game, by halftime. The Kings could not come up with any answers in the second half, as the hosts added another five points to their advantage through the third, making it an 18-point game heading into the final quarter. The Knicks stayed in control the rest of the way to close out the home win, while this marks the seventh straight loss for the Kings.
Alec Burks led the Knicks with 21 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 26 minutes, off the bench. Evan Fournier followed up with 18 points, two assists and two steals, while Julius Randle totaled 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Knicks shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton led the Kings with 21 points and eight assists, in 35 minutes. Davion Mitchell followed up with 18 points, six assists and two blocks, while Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes chipped in 11 points each. The Kings shot 43 percent from the field, including 11-of-38 from long range,
The Kings (18-34) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Wednesday. The Knicks (24-27) play host to the Grizzlies on Wednesday.
The Knicks jumped out to a strong start with a, 31-23, lead after one quarter. They kept up the momentum in the second and pushed it to a 13-point game, by halftime. The Kings could not come up with any answers in the second half, as the hosts added another five points to their advantage through the third, making it an 18-point game heading into the final quarter. The Knicks stayed in control the rest of the way to close out the home win, while this marks the seventh straight loss for the Kings.
Alec Burks led the Knicks with 21 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 26 minutes, off the bench. Evan Fournier followed up with 18 points, two assists and two steals, while Julius Randle totaled 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Knicks shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-35 from deep.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton led the Kings with 21 points and eight assists, in 35 minutes. Davion Mitchell followed up with 18 points, six assists and two blocks, while Buddy Hield and Harrison Barnes chipped in 11 points each. The Kings shot 43 percent from the field, including 11-of-38 from long range,
The Kings (18-34) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nets on Wednesday. The Knicks (24-27) play host to the Grizzlies on Wednesday.
Warriors Defeat Rockets, 122-108
The Golden State Warriors defeated the host Houston Rockets, 122-108, at Toyota Center on Monday.
Golden State rode a 38-27 second quarter to their victory, holding the lead for the entirety of the second half. In fact, Houston never had a shot to tie the game in the second half, despite getting the lead down to four points on numerous occasions. The Warriors shot 54 percent from the field, 43 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Rockets to 43 percent from the field, 37 percent from long range and 69 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Golden State recorded 10 steals and eight blocks while Houston had four steals and three blocks.
The Warriors (38-13) were led by Stephen Curry, scoring 21 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter to go along with five rebounds and nine assists. Andrew Wiggins accrued 23 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Klay Thompson compiled 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Kevon Looney had seven points and 14 rebounds.
The Rockets (14-36) were led by Christian Wood, collecting 24 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kevin Porter provided 17 points and 11 assists. Jalen Green generated 10 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Josh Christopher led the bench with 11 points and five assists.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs. As for Houston, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Golden State rode a 38-27 second quarter to their victory, holding the lead for the entirety of the second half. In fact, Houston never had a shot to tie the game in the second half, despite getting the lead down to four points on numerous occasions. The Warriors shot 54 percent from the field, 43 percent from three-point range and 83 percent from the free-throw line while holding the Rockets to 43 percent from the field, 37 percent from long range and 69 percent from the charity stripe. In addition, Golden State recorded 10 steals and eight blocks while Houston had four steals and three blocks.
The Warriors (38-13) were led by Stephen Curry, scoring 21 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter to go along with five rebounds and nine assists. Andrew Wiggins accrued 23 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Klay Thompson compiled 14 points, three rebounds and three assists. Kevon Looney had seven points and 14 rebounds.
The Rockets (14-36) were led by Christian Wood, collecting 24 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kevin Porter provided 17 points and 11 assists. Jalen Green generated 10 points, five rebounds and two assists, while Josh Christopher led the bench with 11 points and five assists.
Golden State has to play the second half of a back-to-back set on Tuesday, traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs. As for Houston, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Thunder Defeat Trail Blazers, 98-81
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting Portland Trail Blazers, 98-81, at Paycom Center on Monday.
While Portland got out to a 31-19 lead after the first quarter, Oklahoma City dominated the final three quarters. In fact, they grabbed their lead behind a 26-14 third quarter and completed their blowout thanks to a 33-20 fourth quarter. That completed a 59-34 second half. Oklahoma City shot 12-of-42 from three-point range and 16-of-17 from the free-throw line while holding Portland to 7-of-38 from long range and 6-of-8 from the charity stripe. The Thunder also out-rebounded the Blazers, 50-41.
The Trail Blazers (21-30) were led by C.J. McCollum, collecting 21 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Norman Powell amassed 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jusuf Nurkic accrued 14 points and nine rebounds. Anfernee Simons shot 3-of-16 from the field to finish with eight points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Thunder (15-34) were led by Luguentz Dort, totaling 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Josh Giddey generated 14 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Tre Mann had 13 points, two rebounds and two steals, while Darius Bazley led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Oklahoma City traveling to face the Dallas Mavericks and Portland staying on the road to play the Los Angeles Lakers.
While Portland got out to a 31-19 lead after the first quarter, Oklahoma City dominated the final three quarters. In fact, they grabbed their lead behind a 26-14 third quarter and completed their blowout thanks to a 33-20 fourth quarter. That completed a 59-34 second half. Oklahoma City shot 12-of-42 from three-point range and 16-of-17 from the free-throw line while holding Portland to 7-of-38 from long range and 6-of-8 from the charity stripe. The Thunder also out-rebounded the Blazers, 50-41.
The Trail Blazers (21-30) were led by C.J. McCollum, collecting 21 points, three rebounds and seven assists. Norman Powell amassed 18 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jusuf Nurkic accrued 14 points and nine rebounds. Anfernee Simons shot 3-of-16 from the field to finish with eight points, five rebounds and two assists.
The Thunder (15-34) were led by Luguentz Dort, totaling 18 points, six rebounds, three assists and three steals. Josh Giddey generated 14 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Tre Mann had 13 points, two rebounds and two steals, while Darius Bazley led the bench with 15 points, five rebounds and three assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Oklahoma City traveling to face the Dallas Mavericks and Portland staying on the road to play the Los Angeles Lakers.