Lakers Defeat Heat, 113-110
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Miami Heat, 113-110, at American Airlines Arena on Friday.
While Los Angeles held the lead for the final 20 minutes of this game, it wasn't decided until the final shot. In fact, Jimmy Butler had an open three-pointer in the corner to tie the game but missed it at the buzzer. A 37-26 third quarter is what allowed Los Angeles to hold the lead for the final 20 minutes, with Miami never getting within two points in those final 20 minutes. The key for the Lakers was rebounding, winning that battle, 50-34. In addition, Los Angeles out-blocked Miami, 9-2.
The Lakers (23-3) were led by Anthony Davis, who tallied 33 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. LeBron James collected 28 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope generated 15 points, three rebounds and four assists while JaVale McGee totaled nine points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. All four of those guys shot 50 percent or higher.
The Heat (18-7) were led by Butler, who accumulated 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals. Kendrick Nunn amassed 16 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Bam Adebayo accrued 12 points, 12 rebounds and five assists while Derrick Jones Jr led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
On deck for Miami is a road game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. As for Los Angeles, they travel to face the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday for their next fixture.
While Los Angeles held the lead for the final 20 minutes of this game, it wasn't decided until the final shot. In fact, Jimmy Butler had an open three-pointer in the corner to tie the game but missed it at the buzzer. A 37-26 third quarter is what allowed Los Angeles to hold the lead for the final 20 minutes, with Miami never getting within two points in those final 20 minutes. The key for the Lakers was rebounding, winning that battle, 50-34. In addition, Los Angeles out-blocked Miami, 9-2.
The Lakers (23-3) were led by Anthony Davis, who tallied 33 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. LeBron James collected 28 points, nine rebounds and 12 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope generated 15 points, three rebounds and four assists while JaVale McGee totaled nine points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. All four of those guys shot 50 percent or higher.
The Heat (18-7) were led by Butler, who accumulated 23 points, three rebounds, three assists and four steals. Kendrick Nunn amassed 16 points, two rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Bam Adebayo accrued 12 points, 12 rebounds and five assists while Derrick Jones Jr led the bench with 17 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals.
On deck for Miami is a road game against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday. As for Los Angeles, they travel to face the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday for their next fixture.
Harden Leads Rockets Past Magic In Orlando
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the host Orlando Magic, 130-107, at Amway Center on Friday evening.
James Harden poured in 54 points on 19-of-31 shooting, to lead the Rockets to their second consecutive win. The Magic started the game with an 8-2 run, but the Rockets rallied to take a 28-22 lead by the end of the first quarter. They stayed on top through the second and increased their lead to seven, by halftime. The Rockets carried the momentum into the second half and outscored the Magic by 11 points in the third quarter. The Magic had no answers in the fourth, as the Rockets led by double digits the rest of the way. This marks the third consecutive loss for the Magic.
James Harden added seven assists, five rebounds, three blocks and two steals to his impressive scoring display. Russell Westbrook totalled 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Clint Capela and P.J. Tucker both finished with double-doubles, while Ben McLemore tallied 18 points, off the bench. The Rockets shot 56 percent from the field, including 22-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Evan Fournier led the Magic with 27 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 24 minutes. Aaron Gordon added 21 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Terrence Ross chipped in 13 points, off the bench. The Magic shot 44 percent from the field, including 15-of-37 from long range.
The Magic (11-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Sunday. The Rockets (17-8) play host to the Pistons on Saturday.
James Harden poured in 54 points on 19-of-31 shooting, to lead the Rockets to their second consecutive win. The Magic started the game with an 8-2 run, but the Rockets rallied to take a 28-22 lead by the end of the first quarter. They stayed on top through the second and increased their lead to seven, by halftime. The Rockets carried the momentum into the second half and outscored the Magic by 11 points in the third quarter. The Magic had no answers in the fourth, as the Rockets led by double digits the rest of the way. This marks the third consecutive loss for the Magic.
James Harden added seven assists, five rebounds, three blocks and two steals to his impressive scoring display. Russell Westbrook totalled 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Clint Capela and P.J. Tucker both finished with double-doubles, while Ben McLemore tallied 18 points, off the bench. The Rockets shot 56 percent from the field, including 22-of-39 from long range.
Meanwhile, Evan Fournier led the Magic with 27 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 24 minutes. Aaron Gordon added 21 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Terrence Ross chipped in 13 points, off the bench. The Magic shot 44 percent from the field, including 15-of-37 from long range.
The Magic (11-14) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pelicans in New Orleans on Sunday. The Rockets (17-8) play host to the Pistons on Saturday.
76ers Outlast Pelicans, 116-109
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 116-109, at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night.
A rollercoaster first half saw the 76ers (20-7) take a commanding 39-25 lead through the first 12 minutes, only to see the Pelicans (6-20) slice nine points from that deficit heading into the halftime with a strong second quarter. The competitive play continued throughout the second half, with Philadelphia ultimately having to hold off a New Orleans comeback attempt in the fourth quarter that saw them get as close as 112-109 with 17 seconds left before Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris iced the win with a pair of free throws apiece.
Brandon Ingram led the way for the Pelicans with 32 points and added six rebounds. J.J. Redick followed with 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jrue Holiday generated a 12-point, 10-assist double-double that also included six rebounds and one block. Josh Hart supplied 10 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Derrick Favors had eight points and eight rebounds over 15 minutes in his return to action.
Harris paced the 76ers with 31 points and also registered five rebounds and two assists. Ben Simmons turned in 24 points, 11 assists, three rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Embiid posted 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. James Ennis managed 10 points.
The Pelicans head back home and take on the Orlando Magic on Sunday afternoon, while the 76ers pay a visit to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday evening.
A rollercoaster first half saw the 76ers (20-7) take a commanding 39-25 lead through the first 12 minutes, only to see the Pelicans (6-20) slice nine points from that deficit heading into the halftime with a strong second quarter. The competitive play continued throughout the second half, with Philadelphia ultimately having to hold off a New Orleans comeback attempt in the fourth quarter that saw them get as close as 112-109 with 17 seconds left before Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris iced the win with a pair of free throws apiece.
Brandon Ingram led the way for the Pelicans with 32 points and added six rebounds. J.J. Redick followed with 19 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Jrue Holiday generated a 12-point, 10-assist double-double that also included six rebounds and one block. Josh Hart supplied 10 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Derrick Favors had eight points and eight rebounds over 15 minutes in his return to action.
Harris paced the 76ers with 31 points and also registered five rebounds and two assists. Ben Simmons turned in 24 points, 11 assists, three rebounds, three steals and two blocks. Embiid posted 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block. James Ennis managed 10 points.
The Pelicans head back home and take on the Orlando Magic on Sunday afternoon, while the 76ers pay a visit to the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday evening.
Pacers Defeat Hawks, 110-100
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Atlanta Hawks, 110-100, at Philips Arena on Friday.
Indiana dominated this game in the first, second and fourth quarters, outscoring Atlanta by seven points or more in all three. That allowed the Pacers to hold the lead for the final three quarters, leading by 18 points at times in the second half. Indiana ended up shooting 50 percent from the field and 32 percent from three-point range while holding Atlanta to 42 percent from the field and 21 percent from long range. In addition, the Pacers bench outscored the Hawks bench, 39-22.
The Pacers (17-9) got a near triple-double from Malcolm Brogdon, who tallied 19 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. T.J. Warren amassed 18 points, four rebounds and two steals. Domantas Sabonis generated 12 points, 14 rebounds and two assists while Jeremy Lamb accrued 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Hawks (6-20) were led by Trae Young who collected 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists on 9-of-30 from the field. DeAndre' Hunter totaled 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jabari Parker amassed 20 points and six boards while Alex Len led the bench with 11 points, 13 rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Indiana playing host to the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta remaining home to face the surging Los Angeles Lakers.
Indiana dominated this game in the first, second and fourth quarters, outscoring Atlanta by seven points or more in all three. That allowed the Pacers to hold the lead for the final three quarters, leading by 18 points at times in the second half. Indiana ended up shooting 50 percent from the field and 32 percent from three-point range while holding Atlanta to 42 percent from the field and 21 percent from long range. In addition, the Pacers bench outscored the Hawks bench, 39-22.
The Pacers (17-9) got a near triple-double from Malcolm Brogdon, who tallied 19 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. T.J. Warren amassed 18 points, four rebounds and two steals. Domantas Sabonis generated 12 points, 14 rebounds and two assists while Jeremy Lamb accrued 11 points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Hawks (6-20) were led by Trae Young who collected 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists on 9-of-30 from the field. DeAndre' Hunter totaled 21 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jabari Parker amassed 20 points and six boards while Alex Len led the bench with 11 points, 13 rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Sunday, with Indiana playing host to the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta remaining home to face the surging Los Angeles Lakers.
Hornets Defeat Bulls, 83-73
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the host Chicago Bulls, 83-73, at United Center on Friday.
This marked the lowest-scoring game of the year up until this point, surpassing the 173 combined points between Orlando and Toronto on November 29. In fact, Charlotte shot 38 percent from the field and 19 percent from three-point range while holding Chicago to 30 percent from the field and 21 percent from long range. Rebounding was key for the Bulls, winning that battle, 60-45.
The Hornets (12-16) were led by DeVonte' Graham, who tallied 16 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Miles Bridges generated 13 points and nine boards. P.J. Washington collected 13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks while Terry Rozier provided 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Cody Zeller had a double-double off the bench as well.
The Bulls (9-18) had no player score more than 12 points, with Zach LaVine leading the starters with 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists on 4-of-19 shooting. Lauri Markkanen amassed 10 points, four rebounds and two assists. Wendell Carter totaled six points, 11 rebounds and three steals while Ryan Arcidacono led the bench with 12 points.
Chicago will have to play again on Saturday, remaining home to play the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Charlotte. they return to action on Sunday, facing the Indiana Pacers on the road.
This marked the lowest-scoring game of the year up until this point, surpassing the 173 combined points between Orlando and Toronto on November 29. In fact, Charlotte shot 38 percent from the field and 19 percent from three-point range while holding Chicago to 30 percent from the field and 21 percent from long range. Rebounding was key for the Bulls, winning that battle, 60-45.
The Hornets (12-16) were led by DeVonte' Graham, who tallied 16 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Miles Bridges generated 13 points and nine boards. P.J. Washington collected 13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks while Terry Rozier provided 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Cody Zeller had a double-double off the bench as well.
The Bulls (9-18) had no player score more than 12 points, with Zach LaVine leading the starters with 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists on 4-of-19 shooting. Lauri Markkanen amassed 10 points, four rebounds and two assists. Wendell Carter totaled six points, 11 rebounds and three steals while Ryan Arcidacono led the bench with 12 points.
Chicago will have to play again on Saturday, remaining home to play the Los Angeles Clippers. As for Charlotte. they return to action on Sunday, facing the Indiana Pacers on the road.
Giannis Leads Bucks To 17th Consecutive Win
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies, 127-114, at FedEx Forum on Friday evening.
Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 37 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Bucks to their 17th consecutive win. The Bucks got out to a good start on the road, as they led 35-29 after one quarter. They pushed their lead to nine mid way through the second but the Grizzlies rallied back and took a brief lead, before trailing by two at halftime. The Bucks came out strong in the third and jumped to a quick 10-point lead, however, the Grizzlies pushed back once again, outscoring the Bucks 30-15 through the rest of the quarter, to take a five-point lead into the final frame. The Bucks took immediate action to start the fourth and outscored the hosts 37-19 in the quarter, to complete the comeback win.
The Bucks shot 51 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from long range. Khris Middleton added 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting, in 35 minutes, while Brook Lopez tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two assists. Eric Bledsoe was forced to leave the game after injuring his leg early in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. poured in 43 points on 14-of-21 shooting, in 29 minutes. Dillon Brooks added 19 points, while Jae Crowder tallied 15 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. Tyus Jones chipped in 10 points, seven assists, two rebounds and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 39 percent from the field, including 20-of-49 for long range.
The Grizzlies (8-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Saturday. The Bucks (23-3) play host to the Cavs on Saturday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 37 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Bucks to their 17th consecutive win. The Bucks got out to a good start on the road, as they led 35-29 after one quarter. They pushed their lead to nine mid way through the second but the Grizzlies rallied back and took a brief lead, before trailing by two at halftime. The Bucks came out strong in the third and jumped to a quick 10-point lead, however, the Grizzlies pushed back once again, outscoring the Bucks 30-15 through the rest of the quarter, to take a five-point lead into the final frame. The Bucks took immediate action to start the fourth and outscored the hosts 37-19 in the quarter, to complete the comeback win.
The Bucks shot 51 percent from the field, including 11-of-30 from long range. Khris Middleton added 26 points on 10-of-19 shooting, in 35 minutes, while Brook Lopez tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two assists. Eric Bledsoe was forced to leave the game after injuring his leg early in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr. poured in 43 points on 14-of-21 shooting, in 29 minutes. Dillon Brooks added 19 points, while Jae Crowder tallied 15 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block. Tyus Jones chipped in 10 points, seven assists, two rebounds and a steal. The Grizzlies shot 39 percent from the field, including 20-of-49 for long range.
The Grizzlies (8-17) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Saturday. The Bucks (23-3) play host to the Cavs on Saturday.
Jazz Topples Warriors, 114-106
The Utah Jazz defeated the Golden State Warriors, 114-106, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Friday night.
The Warriors (5-22) surprised the home-court Jazz (15-11) early, jumping out to a 29-22 lead after one quarter and holding serve on that seven-point advantage heading into halftime by matching Utah bucket for bucket in the second quarter. However, Utah would come out of intermission dialed in, and they ultimately outscored the visitors by a 65-50 margin in the second half to secure the win.
Alec Burks led the way for the Warriors with 24 points, adding five rebounds and three assists. Damion Lee followed with a bench-leading 21 points, complementing them with three rebounds. D'Angelo Russell registered 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Jacob Evans furnished 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Marquese Chriss provided a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists, two blocks and one steal. Glenn Robinson III managed 10 points and eight boards.
Bojan Bogdanovic paced the Jazz with 32 points while also supplying four rebounds and one assist. Donovan Mitchell contributed 28 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Rudy Gobert generated a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Royce O'Neale went for 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Joe Ingles poured in 13 points and also rang up eight assists, four rebounds and one steal.
The Warriors remain home and face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night, while the Jazz remain home to face the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
The Warriors (5-22) surprised the home-court Jazz (15-11) early, jumping out to a 29-22 lead after one quarter and holding serve on that seven-point advantage heading into halftime by matching Utah bucket for bucket in the second quarter. However, Utah would come out of intermission dialed in, and they ultimately outscored the visitors by a 65-50 margin in the second half to secure the win.
Alec Burks led the way for the Warriors with 24 points, adding five rebounds and three assists. Damion Lee followed with a bench-leading 21 points, complementing them with three rebounds. D'Angelo Russell registered 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals. Jacob Evans furnished 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Marquese Chriss provided a 12-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included five assists, two blocks and one steal. Glenn Robinson III managed 10 points and eight boards.
Bojan Bogdanovic paced the Jazz with 32 points while also supplying four rebounds and one assist. Donovan Mitchell contributed 28 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Rudy Gobert generated a 15-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included two assists and two blocks. Royce O'Neale went for 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Joe Ingles poured in 13 points and also rang up eight assists, four rebounds and one steal.
The Warriors remain home and face the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night, while the Jazz remain home to face the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.
George, Leonard Lead Clippers To Road Win
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 124-117, at Target Center on Friday evening.
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard combined for 88 points to help the Clippers earn their fourth straight win. The Clippers got out to a good start on the road, as the jumped to a 12-point lead in the first, before the Timberwolves cut it to a four-point game by the end of the quarter. The Clippers led through the second quarter until the Timberwolves tied it up at 48, with four minutes left in the half, but the Clippers closed the quarter on a 17-10 run, to take a 65-58 lead into halftime. The Clippers carried the momentum into the third, where they outscored the hosts by 14 points in the quarter, to push their lead to 21 by the start of the fourth. The Timberwolves did not give up and mounted a furious rally to cut it to a five-point game with 40 seconds left. The Clippers held on as they came up clutch down the stretch to hand the Timberwolves their seventh straight loss.
Paul George led the Clippers with 46 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals, in 39 minutes, while Kawhi Leonard added 42 points and 11 rebounds, in 37 minutes. Montreal Harrell chipped in 18 points and four rebounds, in 31 minutes off the bench. The Clippers shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-25 from long range.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 39 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Andrew Wiggins followed up with 34 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jeff Teague added 22 points, five assists and four rebounds. The Timberwolves shot 45 percent from the field, including 10-of-41 from deep.
The Timberwolves (10-15) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Wednesday. The Clippers (20-7) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Saturday.
Paul George and Kawhi Leonard combined for 88 points to help the Clippers earn their fourth straight win. The Clippers got out to a good start on the road, as the jumped to a 12-point lead in the first, before the Timberwolves cut it to a four-point game by the end of the quarter. The Clippers led through the second quarter until the Timberwolves tied it up at 48, with four minutes left in the half, but the Clippers closed the quarter on a 17-10 run, to take a 65-58 lead into halftime. The Clippers carried the momentum into the third, where they outscored the hosts by 14 points in the quarter, to push their lead to 21 by the start of the fourth. The Timberwolves did not give up and mounted a furious rally to cut it to a five-point game with 40 seconds left. The Clippers held on as they came up clutch down the stretch to hand the Timberwolves their seventh straight loss.
Paul George led the Clippers with 46 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals, in 39 minutes, while Kawhi Leonard added 42 points and 11 rebounds, in 37 minutes. Montreal Harrell chipped in 18 points and four rebounds, in 31 minutes off the bench. The Clippers shot 49 percent from the field, including 11-of-25 from long range.
Meanwhile, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 39 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 35 minutes. Andrew Wiggins followed up with 34 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Jeff Teague added 22 points, five assists and four rebounds. The Timberwolves shot 45 percent from the field, including 10-of-41 from deep.
The Timberwolves (10-15) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Pelicans on Wednesday. The Clippers (20-7) take on the Bulls in Chicago on Saturday.
Knicks Edge Kings, 103-101
The New York Knicks defeated the Sacramento Kings, 103-101, at Golden 1 Center on Friday night.
The Kings (11-14) were off and running from the opening tip, as they built a 32-20 lead over the Knicks (6-20) through the first 12 minutes. However, New York would win each of the subsequent three quarters, with New York progressively clawing away at its deficit and finally taking the lead for good with 3:18 remaining courtesy of an Elfrid Payton 20-foot jumper.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with 26 points, adding nine rebounds and four assists. Payton provided 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Mitchell Robinson turned in 14 points, nine boards and one steal. Damyean Dotson supplied 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Marcus Morris registered 10 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Buddy Hield paced the Kings with 34 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Harrison Barnes posted 18 points, five boards and two assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic poured in 14 points off the bench. Nemanja Bjelica went for 12 points, seven assists, two rebounds and one block. Marvin Bagley offered 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 21 minutes.
The Knicks remain on the road and tangle with the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night, while the Kings pay a visit to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night as well.
The Kings (11-14) were off and running from the opening tip, as they built a 32-20 lead over the Knicks (6-20) through the first 12 minutes. However, New York would win each of the subsequent three quarters, with New York progressively clawing away at its deficit and finally taking the lead for good with 3:18 remaining courtesy of an Elfrid Payton 20-foot jumper.
Julius Randle led the Knicks with 26 points, adding nine rebounds and four assists. Payton provided 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and one steal. Mitchell Robinson turned in 14 points, nine boards and one steal. Damyean Dotson supplied 11 points, three rebounds, three assists and one steal. Marcus Morris registered 10 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Buddy Hield paced the Kings with 34 points, 12 rebounds and three assists. Harrison Barnes posted 18 points, five boards and two assists. Bogdan Bogdanovic poured in 14 points off the bench. Nemanja Bjelica went for 12 points, seven assists, two rebounds and one block. Marvin Bagley offered 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 21 minutes.
The Knicks remain on the road and tangle with the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night, while the Kings pay a visit to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night as well.