Celtics Aiming For Bounce-Back Game Against Magic
The Orlando Magic will host the Boston Celtics at Amway Center on Wednesday evening.
The Magic (21-44) are coming off a 119-112 win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday. Surprisingly, Orlando's four highest scorers came off the bench -- Mo Bamba delivered one of his best games of the season and finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds across 29 minutes, while Chasson Randle notched 18 points and five rebounds. R.J. Hampton sniffed a triple-double after posting 16 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, and Ignas Brazdeikis contributed 14 points with three rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr. and Gary Harris produced matching 11-point tallies. Orlando enters this game on a two-game winning run and having won three of their last four contests. While that's not going to be enough to make a push for a spot in the play-in tournament, it's an encouraging sign for a franchise that is already going through a rebuilding process. The Magic own a 11-23 mark at Amway Center this season.
The Celtics (34-31) enter this game after their Sunday loss against the Portland Trail Blazers. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points, supplementing them with five assists and two rebounds. Evan Fournier compiled 21 points, five boards, three assists and two steals. Brown and Aaron Nesmith posted matching 16-point tallies while pulling down 11 and four rebounds, respectively. Payton Pritchard managed 13 points and six rebounds, while Smart offered 11 points, eight boards and eight assists before getting tossed. Boston has dropped three of its last five games, but at least those contests have been entertaining -- at least one team has reached the 119-point plateau each time. It's also worth noting the Celtics own a 13-18 mark playing on the road.
The Magic (21-44) are coming off a 119-112 win over the Detroit Pistons on Monday. Surprisingly, Orlando's four highest scorers came off the bench -- Mo Bamba delivered one of his best games of the season and finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds across 29 minutes, while Chasson Randle notched 18 points and five rebounds. R.J. Hampton sniffed a triple-double after posting 16 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds, and Ignas Brazdeikis contributed 14 points with three rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr. and Gary Harris produced matching 11-point tallies. Orlando enters this game on a two-game winning run and having won three of their last four contests. While that's not going to be enough to make a push for a spot in the play-in tournament, it's an encouraging sign for a franchise that is already going through a rebuilding process. The Magic own a 11-23 mark at Amway Center this season.
The Celtics (34-31) enter this game after their Sunday loss against the Portland Trail Blazers. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 33 points, supplementing them with five assists and two rebounds. Evan Fournier compiled 21 points, five boards, three assists and two steals. Brown and Aaron Nesmith posted matching 16-point tallies while pulling down 11 and four rebounds, respectively. Payton Pritchard managed 13 points and six rebounds, while Smart offered 11 points, eight boards and eight assists before getting tossed. Boston has dropped three of its last five games, but at least those contests have been entertaining -- at least one team has reached the 119-point plateau each time. It's also worth noting the Celtics own a 13-18 mark playing on the road.
Trail Blazers and Cavaliers Set for Interconference Clash
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Trail Blazers (36-29) were recently on an upswing that saw them win four straight games, but they saw that streak snapped with a 123-114 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 33 points, complementing them with eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. C.J. McCollum managed 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one block. Norman Powell compiled 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Carmelo Anthony poured in 14 points.
The Trail Blazers will continue without Zach Collins (ankle) for Wednesday's game. Lillard (foot) will carry a probable tag, while Powell (knee) will be listed as questionable.
The Cavaliers (21-44) come into Wednesday's contest in an extended spiral, as they've dropped seven straight games and 10 of their last 11 overall. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday night, when they fell to the Phoenix Suns in overtime by a 134-118 score. Okoro paced the Cavaliers with 32 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Collin Sexton turned in 29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Jarrett Allen registered 17 points, eight boards, five assists, one steal and one block. Cedi Osman compiled 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Cavaliers will likely list Darius Garland (ankle), Isaiah Hartenstein (concussion) and Lamar Stevens (concussion) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 129-110 win Feb. 12.
The Trail Blazers (36-29) were recently on an upswing that saw them win four straight games, but they saw that streak snapped with a 123-114 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night. Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 33 points, complementing them with eight assists, two rebounds and two steals. C.J. McCollum managed 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one block. Norman Powell compiled 15 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Carmelo Anthony poured in 14 points.
The Trail Blazers will continue without Zach Collins (ankle) for Wednesday's game. Lillard (foot) will carry a probable tag, while Powell (knee) will be listed as questionable.
The Cavaliers (21-44) come into Wednesday's contest in an extended spiral, as they've dropped seven straight games and 10 of their last 11 overall. Their most recent stumble came Tuesday night, when they fell to the Phoenix Suns in overtime by a 134-118 score. Okoro paced the Cavaliers with 32 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Collin Sexton turned in 29 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Jarrett Allen registered 17 points, eight boards, five assists, one steal and one block. Cedi Osman compiled 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and one steal.
The Cavaliers will likely list Darius Garland (ankle), Isaiah Hartenstein (concussion) and Lamar Stevens (concussion) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Trail Blazers hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 129-110 win Feb. 12.
Suns and Hawks Set for Peach State Showdown
The Phoenix Suns take on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Suns (47-18) continue to build up plenty of momentum ahead of a postseason that they'll likely enter at either the No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, and they'll come into Wednesday's contest with a five-game winning streak. Phoenix's most recent success came Tuesday night, when they notched a 134-118 overtime win over the Cavaliers. Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points, adding six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Chris Paul generated a 23-point, 16-assist double-double that also included six rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Mikal Bridges furnished 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks. Deandre Ayton delivered 15 points, eight boards, one assist, five blocks and one steal. Frank Kaminsky supplied 11 points, six rebounds and one assist.
The Suns will likely list Jae Crowder (ankle) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game. Abdel Nader (knee) will remain out.
The Hawks (36-30) come into Wednesday's interconference clash having won back-to-back games, as well as four of their last seven overall. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Portland Trail Blazers, which they toppled by a 123-114 score Monday night. Danilo Gallinari paced the Hawks with 28 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Bogdan Bogdanovic produced 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Trae Young generated a 21-point, 11-assist double-double that also included six rebounds. John Collins registered 15 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Clint Capela finished with an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Hawks will list Bogdanovic (hamstring) as probable for Wednesday's game. De'Andre Hunter (knee) and Cam Reddish (Achilles) will remain out.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Suns hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 117-110 win March 30.
The Suns (47-18) continue to build up plenty of momentum ahead of a postseason that they'll likely enter at either the No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, and they'll come into Wednesday's contest with a five-game winning streak. Phoenix's most recent success came Tuesday night, when they notched a 134-118 overtime win over the Cavaliers. Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points, adding six rebounds, five assists and one steal. Chris Paul generated a 23-point, 16-assist double-double that also included six rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Mikal Bridges furnished 22 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks. Deandre Ayton delivered 15 points, eight boards, one assist, five blocks and one steal. Frank Kaminsky supplied 11 points, six rebounds and one assist.
The Suns will likely list Jae Crowder (ankle) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game. Abdel Nader (knee) will remain out.
The Hawks (36-30) come into Wednesday's interconference clash having won back-to-back games, as well as four of their last seven overall. Their most recent success came at the expense of the Portland Trail Blazers, which they toppled by a 123-114 score Monday night. Danilo Gallinari paced the Hawks with 28 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block. Bogdan Bogdanovic produced 25 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Trae Young generated a 21-point, 11-assist double-double that also included six rebounds. John Collins registered 15 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Clint Capela finished with an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two blocks and one steal.
The Hawks will list Bogdanovic (hamstring) as probable for Wednesday's game. De'Andre Hunter (knee) and Cam Reddish (Achilles) will remain out.
Wednesday's game marks the second and final meeting between the teams this season. The Suns hold a 1-0 series lead, having notched a 117-110 win March 30.
Rockets Host 76ers In Battle Of Opposite Teams
The Houston Rockets will host the Philadelphia 76ers at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.
The Rockets (16-49) are coming off a 122-97 loss against the New York Knicks on Sunday. Christian Wood, who's already been ruled out for Wednesday due to injury, paced the Rockets with 19 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, three assists and one block. Kelly Olynyk generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, three steals and one block. Kevin Porter, Jr. turned in 14 points, six rebounds, six assists and one steal. Kenyon Martin, Jr. finished with 13 points, six rebounds and one block. Houston enters this game on a two-game losing streak and has dropped four of its last five contests. It's worth noting the Rockets are 8-26 when playing at home this season.
The 76ers (44-21) are coming off a 106-94 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday, and that win extended their winning run to five games right after they endured a four-game skid. Tobias Harris led the way for the 76ers with 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Seth Curry followed up with 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Joel Embiid totaled 13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. The 76ers shot 53 percent from the field, including 11-of-28 from long range. Philadelphia has looked dominant of late and has won by 10 or more points four times during that aforementioned five-game winning stretch, and they also own a 19-14 record away from home.
The Rockets (16-49) are coming off a 122-97 loss against the New York Knicks on Sunday. Christian Wood, who's already been ruled out for Wednesday due to injury, paced the Rockets with 19 points, complementing them with eight rebounds, three assists and one block. Kelly Olynyk generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included seven assists, three steals and one block. Kevin Porter, Jr. turned in 14 points, six rebounds, six assists and one steal. Kenyon Martin, Jr. finished with 13 points, six rebounds and one block. Houston enters this game on a two-game losing streak and has dropped four of its last five contests. It's worth noting the Rockets are 8-26 when playing at home this season.
The 76ers (44-21) are coming off a 106-94 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday, and that win extended their winning run to five games right after they endured a four-game skid. Tobias Harris led the way for the 76ers with 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Seth Curry followed up with 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Joel Embiid totaled 13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. The 76ers shot 53 percent from the field, including 11-of-28 from long range. Philadelphia has looked dominant of late and has won by 10 or more points four times during that aforementioned five-game winning stretch, and they also own a 19-14 record away from home.
Pacers Host Streaking Kings
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Sacramento Kings at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Wednesday evening.
The Pacers (30-34) have dropped six of their last 10 games, including a loss in their most recent contest. They will look to get back on track and add to their, 11-19, home record, as they face the first game of a three-game home stand. Domantas Sabonis continues to play great, averaging 20.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.2 steals, in 36 minutes per game. Caris LeVert is also playing well, averaging 20.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game, while Oshae Brissett is averaging 10.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. The Pacers average 115.0 points per game, while shooting an average of 47.2 percent from the field. They average 8.5 steals per game, which is fourth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 115.1 points against, which is sixth most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Kings (28-37), as they are coming off a win in OKC on Tuesday night. They got out to a solid start in the win with a five-point lead at halftime. They held the upper hand through the third, pushing their advantage to 12 points heading into the final frame, and they stayed strong down the stretch to close out their third straight win. Seven players scored in double digits in the win, led by Buddy HIeld, who finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, and Terence Davis, who totaled 18 points, five rebounds and three assists. Delon Wright added 13 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, four steals and four blocks, while Richaun Holmes totaled 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block. The Kings will look to keep rolling and to add to their, 14-19, road record, as they face the fourth and final game of a home stand.
The Pacers (30-34) have dropped six of their last 10 games, including a loss in their most recent contest. They will look to get back on track and add to their, 11-19, home record, as they face the first game of a three-game home stand. Domantas Sabonis continues to play great, averaging 20.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.2 steals, in 36 minutes per game. Caris LeVert is also playing well, averaging 20.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 steals per game, while Oshae Brissett is averaging 10.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. The Pacers average 115.0 points per game, while shooting an average of 47.2 percent from the field. They average 8.5 steals per game, which is fourth most in the league, but they are giving up an average of 115.1 points against, which is sixth most in the league.
Meanwhile, this marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Kings (28-37), as they are coming off a win in OKC on Tuesday night. They got out to a solid start in the win with a five-point lead at halftime. They held the upper hand through the third, pushing their advantage to 12 points heading into the final frame, and they stayed strong down the stretch to close out their third straight win. Seven players scored in double digits in the win, led by Buddy HIeld, who finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, and Terence Davis, who totaled 18 points, five rebounds and three assists. Delon Wright added 13 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, four steals and four blocks, while Richaun Holmes totaled 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block. The Kings will look to keep rolling and to add to their, 14-19, road record, as they face the fourth and final game of a home stand.
Wizards and Bucks Set for Conference Showdown
The Washington Wizards take on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night.
The Wizards (30-35) have been one of the stories of the second half of the NBA season, with their weeks-long surge thrusting them into a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference for the time being. Washington comes into Wednesday's game having won 11 of its last 13 contests, with their most recent success a memorable 154-141 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. Rui Hachimura paced the Wizards with 27 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Bradley Beal furnished 26 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Daniel Gafford totaled 15 points, two rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Russell Westbrook contributed a 14-point, 24-assist, 21-rebound triple-double that also included one steal and one block. Davis Bertans supplied 14 points, five assists and four rebounds. Chandler Hutchison and Ish Smith posted 13 points each, with Hutchison also offering three assists and three steals.
The Wizards will check into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Bucks (41-24) have had their struggles with consistency at times, but they'll check into Wednesday's contest having won four of their last five games. Their most recent success came Tuesday night, when they completed a two-game sweep of the Brooklyn Nets with a 124-118 win. Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 36-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one steal. Jrue Holiday posted 23 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, one steal and one block. Khris Middleton matched Holiday's scoring total and added seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Bryn Forbes poured in 14 points, while Donte DiVincenzo furnished 10 points, 15 rebounds and two assists.
The Bucks will likely list Jeff Teague (abdomen) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bucks own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 125-119 and 133-122 wins March 13 and 15.
The Wizards (30-35) have been one of the stories of the second half of the NBA season, with their weeks-long surge thrusting them into a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference for the time being. Washington comes into Wednesday's game having won 11 of its last 13 contests, with their most recent success a memorable 154-141 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. Rui Hachimura paced the Wizards with 27 points, supplementing them with seven rebounds, two assists and one block. Bradley Beal furnished 26 points, six assists, five rebounds, two steals and one block. Daniel Gafford totaled 15 points, two rebounds, three blocks and one steal. Russell Westbrook contributed a 14-point, 24-assist, 21-rebound triple-double that also included one steal and one block. Davis Bertans supplied 14 points, five assists and four rebounds. Chandler Hutchison and Ish Smith posted 13 points each, with Hutchison also offering three assists and three steals.
The Wizards will check into Wednesday's game without any injuries to report.
The Bucks (41-24) have had their struggles with consistency at times, but they'll check into Wednesday's contest having won four of their last five games. Their most recent success came Tuesday night, when they completed a two-game sweep of the Brooklyn Nets with a 124-118 win. Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with a 36-point, 12-rebound double-double that also included four assists and one steal. Jrue Holiday posted 23 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, one steal and one block. Khris Middleton matched Holiday's scoring total and added seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Bryn Forbes poured in 14 points, while Donte DiVincenzo furnished 10 points, 15 rebounds and two assists.
The Bucks will likely list Jeff Teague (abdomen) as no better than questionable for Wednesday's game.
Wednesday's game marks the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Bucks own a 2-0 series lead, having notched 125-119 and 133-122 wins March 13 and 15.
T'Wolves Host Grizzlies on Wednesday
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at Target Center on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies (32-32) come into this matchup, losing four of their last five games. It's not like the one win was impressive either, scoring 92 points on a new-look Orlando Magic team. This poor stretch has dropped Memphis to the nine-seed in the west, with a play-in game looking inevitable. That's something many teams don't want to have to deal with, and it's especially concerning for a young team like this who happens to be struggling. The good news is that everyone is back and fully healthy, which we haven't seen much from this club. That could be why they are struggling, though, because many of these guys haven't played together much at all.
The Timberwolves (20-45) had the worst record in the NBA two weeks ago but have played much better since then. In fact, they come into this matchup winning six of their last nine games, beating teams like the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Utah Jazz. Those are some quality teams to be beating, and it has to make one wonder what the issue has been all year. When a team is this bad, they usually go in full-on tank mode, and Minnesota is actually hurting their draft pick by winning these games late in the year. It's all about pride for these players, though, and they would rather play spoiler than have to manage wins and losses based on what management would prefer.
These teams have played twice this season, with Memphis winning both games by double-digit margins. That gives the Grizzlies five-straight wins in this series dating back three years.
The Grizzlies (32-32) come into this matchup, losing four of their last five games. It's not like the one win was impressive either, scoring 92 points on a new-look Orlando Magic team. This poor stretch has dropped Memphis to the nine-seed in the west, with a play-in game looking inevitable. That's something many teams don't want to have to deal with, and it's especially concerning for a young team like this who happens to be struggling. The good news is that everyone is back and fully healthy, which we haven't seen much from this club. That could be why they are struggling, though, because many of these guys haven't played together much at all.
The Timberwolves (20-45) had the worst record in the NBA two weeks ago but have played much better since then. In fact, they come into this matchup winning six of their last nine games, beating teams like the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and Utah Jazz. Those are some quality teams to be beating, and it has to make one wonder what the issue has been all year. When a team is this bad, they usually go in full-on tank mode, and Minnesota is actually hurting their draft pick by winning these games late in the year. It's all about pride for these players, though, and they would rather play spoiler than have to manage wins and losses based on what management would prefer.
These teams have played twice this season, with Memphis winning both games by double-digit margins. That gives the Grizzlies five-straight wins in this series dating back three years.
Nuggets Host Knicks on Wednesday
The Denver Nuggets play host to the New York Knicks at Ball Arena on Wednesday.
The Knicks (37-28) have been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last month, winning 12 of their last 13 games coming into this matchup. What makes that even more impressive is that the one loss came against the Phoenix Suns, who have been equally as good. The thing that's made them so dangerous is their defense, allowing the fewest points in the NBA. That's a testament to how good Tom Thibideau is as a coach and to these players who have bought in. The guy who's really gotten them to this point is Julius Randle, and he looks like a guarantee for The Most Improved Player of the Year Award this season.
The Nuggets (43-22) have been pretty impressive themselves, winning nine of their last 11 games coming into this matchup. That run is truly shocking when you see that they've lost Jamal Murray and Will Barton in that stretch, two of their best ball-handlers. Facundo Campazzo has done a nice job of taking over ball-handling duties in their absence, while Michael Porter Jr has taken some of the scoring load. That's a nice core around the future MVP, Nikola Jokic, and it has the Nuggets with the four-seed in the west. A loss to the Lakers on Monday is a discouraging sign, though, because that's a team that's been struggling mightily and could end up facing Denver in the first round of the playoffs if it started today.
These teams played back on January 10, with Denver prevailing, 110-89. That gives the Nuggets six-straight wins in this series and 11 victories in their last 12 meetings with the Knicks.
The Knicks (37-28) have been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last month, winning 12 of their last 13 games coming into this matchup. What makes that even more impressive is that the one loss came against the Phoenix Suns, who have been equally as good. The thing that's made them so dangerous is their defense, allowing the fewest points in the NBA. That's a testament to how good Tom Thibideau is as a coach and to these players who have bought in. The guy who's really gotten them to this point is Julius Randle, and he looks like a guarantee for The Most Improved Player of the Year Award this season.
The Nuggets (43-22) have been pretty impressive themselves, winning nine of their last 11 games coming into this matchup. That run is truly shocking when you see that they've lost Jamal Murray and Will Barton in that stretch, two of their best ball-handlers. Facundo Campazzo has done a nice job of taking over ball-handling duties in their absence, while Michael Porter Jr has taken some of the scoring load. That's a nice core around the future MVP, Nikola Jokic, and it has the Nuggets with the four-seed in the west. A loss to the Lakers on Monday is a discouraging sign, though, because that's a team that's been struggling mightily and could end up facing Denver in the first round of the playoffs if it started today.
These teams played back on January 10, with Denver prevailing, 110-89. That gives the Nuggets six-straight wins in this series and 11 victories in their last 12 meetings with the Knicks.
Jazz Host Spurs In Second Consecutive Matchup
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz play host to the San Antonio Spurs at Vivint Arena on Wednesday evening.
This marks the second game of back-to-back contests between the Spurs and Jazz, after the Jazz came out on top at home in their last matchup, on Monday. The Jazz got out to a good start in the win, with a nine-point lead after one quarter, and they doubled down through the second, pushing their lead to 17, by halftime. The Spurs came out stronger in the third but could not cut into the deficit, trailing by 17 points heading into the final frame. They made a push in the fourth but it was not enough as the Jazz held on to earn their second straight win, while it marked the fourth straight loss for the Spurs.
Bojan Bogdanovic was the high-point man in the win, as he totaled 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Rudy Gobert had a big night, with 24 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks and two steals, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Jazz shot 50 percent from the field and hauled in 14 offensive rebounds in the win. They will look to keep the momentum going and build on their, 28-4, home record. The Jazz remain very strong on the defensive end, as they are holding opponents to an average of 107.2 points per game, which is third fewest.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs in Monday's contest, as he totaled 22 points, six assists, three steals and a block, in 33 minutes of action. Rudy Gay added 17 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals, while Dejounte Murray tallied 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 46 percent from the field, but struggled shooting 5-of-18 from long range, in the loss. The Spurs continue to do a great job taking care of the ball, as they average 11.1 turnovers per game, which is second fewest in the league.
This marks the second game of back-to-back contests between the Spurs and Jazz, after the Jazz came out on top at home in their last matchup, on Monday. The Jazz got out to a good start in the win, with a nine-point lead after one quarter, and they doubled down through the second, pushing their lead to 17, by halftime. The Spurs came out stronger in the third but could not cut into the deficit, trailing by 17 points heading into the final frame. They made a push in the fourth but it was not enough as the Jazz held on to earn their second straight win, while it marked the fourth straight loss for the Spurs.
Bojan Bogdanovic was the high-point man in the win, as he totaled 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting. Rudy Gobert had a big night, with 24 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks and two steals, while Jordan Clarkson chipped in 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Jazz shot 50 percent from the field and hauled in 14 offensive rebounds in the win. They will look to keep the momentum going and build on their, 28-4, home record. The Jazz remain very strong on the defensive end, as they are holding opponents to an average of 107.2 points per game, which is third fewest.
Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan led the Spurs in Monday's contest, as he totaled 22 points, six assists, three steals and a block, in 33 minutes of action. Rudy Gay added 17 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals, while Dejounte Murray tallied 15 points, six rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 46 percent from the field, but struggled shooting 5-of-18 from long range, in the loss. The Spurs continue to do a great job taking care of the ball, as they average 11.1 turnovers per game, which is second fewest in the league.