Cavaliers Overcome Slow Start, Top Grizzlies
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 110-98, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Wednesday.
The Cavaliers (47-33) needed the victory to keep their Top 4 chances alive, and they didn’t have significant problems getting past the Grizzlies (27-53). Cleveland looked like the better team early on and raced to a 32-29 lead in the first quarter, but the Grizzlies would flip the script in the second quarter. A 22-16 score in the second quarter gave Memphis a three-point lead at the break, but that would be all the lead they’d have. The Cavaliers played the second half with a more aggressive approach, and a 30-16 third-quarter score transformed a three-point deficit into an 11-point lead. The Cavaliers closed things out with a 32-31 score in the fourth quarter. With the win, the Grizzlies moved to 18-23 on the road, while the Cavaliers improved to 25-14 at home.
Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavaliers with 29 points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen each had 16 points for Cleveland. Allen also had 10 rebounds and five assists, while Garland handed out nine assists. Evan Mobley finished with a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. Caris LeVert added 18 points coming off the bench.
Jake LaRavia was the leading scorer for the Grizzlies with 32 points and seven rebounds. GG Jackson recorded 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Scotty Pippen Jr. notched 18 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Lamar Stevens chipped in with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and four blocks.
The Cavaliers (47-33) needed the victory to keep their Top 4 chances alive, and they didn’t have significant problems getting past the Grizzlies (27-53). Cleveland looked like the better team early on and raced to a 32-29 lead in the first quarter, but the Grizzlies would flip the script in the second quarter. A 22-16 score in the second quarter gave Memphis a three-point lead at the break, but that would be all the lead they’d have. The Cavaliers played the second half with a more aggressive approach, and a 30-16 third-quarter score transformed a three-point deficit into an 11-point lead. The Cavaliers closed things out with a 32-31 score in the fourth quarter. With the win, the Grizzlies moved to 18-23 on the road, while the Cavaliers improved to 25-14 at home.
Donovan Mitchell led the way for the Cavaliers with 29 points, eight assists, four rebounds and three steals. Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen each had 16 points for Cleveland. Allen also had 10 rebounds and five assists, while Garland handed out nine assists. Evan Mobley finished with a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double. Caris LeVert added 18 points coming off the bench.
Jake LaRavia was the leading scorer for the Grizzlies with 32 points and seven rebounds. GG Jackson recorded 22 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Scotty Pippen Jr. notched 18 points, six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Lamar Stevens chipped in with 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and four blocks.
Hornets Mount Furious Comeback To Defeat Hawks
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 115-114, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday.
The Hornets (20-60) looked sluggish early on, but the team bounced back at the perfect time to get past the Hawks (36-44) despite playing on the road. Atlanta looked good early on and raced to a 35-30 score in the opening quarter. The Hawks would bolster their advantage even further following a 26-25 score just before the break, making it a six-point game at the break. It seemed the Hawks were going to run away with the win after a 31-22 score in the third quarter that gave Atlanta a 15-point lead. However, Charlotte responded with a bang when the team looked dead. A 38-22 score in the final 12 minutes not only flipped the script, but it gave the Hornets the victory. The Hornets completed the comeback when Miles Bridges drained the game-winning shot with only 3.1 seconds left. The Hornets improved to 9-30 on the road, while the Hawks fell to 21-20 at home.
Brandon Miller posted 27 points, three rebounds and two assists to lead the Hornets. Miles Bridges notched 18 points, three rebounds and three assists. Grant Williams posted 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Tre Mann recorded 16 points, seven assists, seven steals and three rebounds. Aleksej Pokusevski had 10 points off the bench.
Bogdan Bogdanovic and Vit Krejci notched 19 points each for the Hawks. Trae Young showed some rust in his return, but he still ended with a double-double of 14 points and 11 assists in his return to the hardwood. Clint Capela had 15 points and six rebounds. Dylan Windler posted 12 points and Kobe Bufkin added 11, both coming off the bench.
The Hornets (20-60) looked sluggish early on, but the team bounced back at the perfect time to get past the Hawks (36-44) despite playing on the road. Atlanta looked good early on and raced to a 35-30 score in the opening quarter. The Hawks would bolster their advantage even further following a 26-25 score just before the break, making it a six-point game at the break. It seemed the Hawks were going to run away with the win after a 31-22 score in the third quarter that gave Atlanta a 15-point lead. However, Charlotte responded with a bang when the team looked dead. A 38-22 score in the final 12 minutes not only flipped the script, but it gave the Hornets the victory. The Hornets completed the comeback when Miles Bridges drained the game-winning shot with only 3.1 seconds left. The Hornets improved to 9-30 on the road, while the Hawks fell to 21-20 at home.
Brandon Miller posted 27 points, three rebounds and two assists to lead the Hornets. Miles Bridges notched 18 points, three rebounds and three assists. Grant Williams posted 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Tre Mann recorded 16 points, seven assists, seven steals and three rebounds. Aleksej Pokusevski had 10 points off the bench.
Bogdan Bogdanovic and Vit Krejci notched 19 points each for the Hawks. Trae Young showed some rust in his return, but he still ended with a double-double of 14 points and 11 assists in his return to the hardwood. Clint Capela had 15 points and six rebounds. Dylan Windler posted 12 points and Kobe Bufkin added 11, both coming off the bench.
Mavericks Handle Haggard Heat, 111-92
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat, 111-92, at Kaseya Center on Wednesday night.
The Heat (44-36) checked in with a high probability of sluggishness, given they'd just survived a double-overtime marathon against the Atlanta Hawks that had concluded less than 24 hours earlier. The Mavericks (50-30) had played Tuesday night as well but in less strenuous fashion, and the difference in the two teams' energy levels was evident during a first half in which Dallas established a 69-47 lead. Miami then played its best quarter in the third while lopping eight points from its deficit, but the visitors returned the favor in the final period by limiting the home squad to 18 points on the way to an easy road win.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 29 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and nine assists. Kyrie Irving supplied 25 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. provided matching 12-point, two-steal efforts while recording six and two rebounds, respectively. Daniel Gafford matched his teammates' scoring while adding five rebounds, one assist, one steal and three blocks.
Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 21 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and six assists. Kevin Love generated a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double. Caleb Martin managed 14 points, six assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Jimmy Butler posted 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Mavericks return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Heat host the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
The Heat (44-36) checked in with a high probability of sluggishness, given they'd just survived a double-overtime marathon against the Atlanta Hawks that had concluded less than 24 hours earlier. The Mavericks (50-30) had played Tuesday night as well but in less strenuous fashion, and the difference in the two teams' energy levels was evident during a first half in which Dallas established a 69-47 lead. Miami then played its best quarter in the third while lopping eight points from its deficit, but the visitors returned the favor in the final period by limiting the home squad to 18 points on the way to an easy road win.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 29 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and nine assists. Kyrie Irving supplied 25 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals. P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones Jr. provided matching 12-point, two-steal efforts while recording six and two rebounds, respectively. Daniel Gafford matched his teammates' scoring while adding five rebounds, one assist, one steal and three blocks.
Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 21 points, complementing them with seven rebounds and six assists. Kevin Love generated a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double. Caleb Martin managed 14 points, six assists, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Jimmy Butler posted 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Mavericks return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, while the Heat host the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
Nets Edge Raptors, 106-102
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Toronto Raptors, 106-102, at Barclays Center on Wednesday night.
The Nets (32-48) and Raptors (25-55) appeared intent on delivering a competitive game despite the fact both are already eliminated from postseason contention, as the two teams played to a 27-27 tie through one and Toronto held just a one-point lead at halftime. The visitors added another two points to their edge going into the final period, but after a see-saw quarter, Dennis Schroder scored the final seven points of the game via a short bucket and five free throws to seal Brooklyn's comeback victory.
Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 32 points, complementing them with nine assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Gradey Dick furnished 24 points and four rebounds. Javon Freeman-Liberty turned in 12 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. Jordan Nwora supplied 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block.
Cam Thomas paced the Nets with 23 points, supplementing them with four rebounds and one block. Schroder supplied 21 points, nine assists, seven boards and two steals. Nic Claxton generated a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists and five blocks. Cameron Johnson finished with 13 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Mikal Bridges registered 11 points, three rebounds and two assists. Noah Clowney compiled 10 points, seven rebounds, one assist, seven blocks and one steal.
The Raptors remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Nets visit the New York Knicks on Friday night as well.
The Nets (32-48) and Raptors (25-55) appeared intent on delivering a competitive game despite the fact both are already eliminated from postseason contention, as the two teams played to a 27-27 tie through one and Toronto held just a one-point lead at halftime. The visitors added another two points to their edge going into the final period, but after a see-saw quarter, Dennis Schroder scored the final seven points of the game via a short bucket and five free throws to seal Brooklyn's comeback victory.
Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 32 points, complementing them with nine assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block. Gradey Dick furnished 24 points and four rebounds. Javon Freeman-Liberty turned in 12 points, four boards, one assist and one steal. Jordan Nwora supplied 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and one block.
Cam Thomas paced the Nets with 23 points, supplementing them with four rebounds and one block. Schroder supplied 21 points, nine assists, seven boards and two steals. Nic Claxton generated a 14-point, 11-rebound double-double that included four assists and five blocks. Cameron Johnson finished with 13 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal. Mikal Bridges registered 11 points, three rebounds and two assists. Noah Clowney compiled 10 points, seven rebounds, one assist, seven blocks and one steal.
The Raptors remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Nets visit the New York Knicks on Friday night as well.
Shorthanded Bucks Stump Magic
By Dan Bruno
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 117-99, at Fiserv Forum on Wednesday evening.
Booby Portis and Damian Lillard led the Bucks in the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. The game got out to a competitive start as the Bucks held on to a four-point lead after one quarter. The hosts turned up their play in the second and outscored the Magic by 10 points in the quarter to take a 14-point lead into the break. The visitors had no answers in the third, as the Bucks kept fighting ahead for a 19-point advantage entering the final frame. The Bucks stayed in control through the fourth and held on for their second straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Magic.
Portis led the Bucks with 30 points, nine rebounds, three assists and five steals, in 30 minutes of action. Lillard followed up with 29 points, six rebounds and
nine assists, while Jae Crowder chipped in 14 points, four rebounds and a block, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Cole Anthony led the Magic with 23 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 33 minutes off the bench. Paolo Banchero followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Jalen Suggs logged 18 points, three rebounds and a steal.
The Magic (46-34) will look to bounce back as they clash with the 76ers in Philly on Friday. The Bucks (49-31) take on the Thunder on Friday.
Booby Portis and Damian Lillard led the Bucks in the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. The game got out to a competitive start as the Bucks held on to a four-point lead after one quarter. The hosts turned up their play in the second and outscored the Magic by 10 points in the quarter to take a 14-point lead into the break. The visitors had no answers in the third, as the Bucks kept fighting ahead for a 19-point advantage entering the final frame. The Bucks stayed in control through the fourth and held on for their second straight win. This also marks the second straight loss for the Magic.
Portis led the Bucks with 30 points, nine rebounds, three assists and five steals, in 30 minutes of action. Lillard followed up with 29 points, six rebounds and
nine assists, while Jae Crowder chipped in 14 points, four rebounds and a block, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Cole Anthony led the Magic with 23 points, four rebounds and four assists, in 33 minutes off the bench. Paolo Banchero followed up with 20 points, six rebounds, six assists and a steal, while Jalen Suggs logged 18 points, three rebounds and a steal.
The Magic (46-34) will look to bounce back as they clash with the 76ers in Philly on Friday. The Bucks (49-31) take on the Thunder on Friday.
Thunder Dominate Shorthanded Spurs
By Dan Bruno
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 127-89, at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
The Spurs were without Victor Wembanyama and Keldon Johnson, and the Thunder took full advantage by jumping out to a, 34-11, lead after one quarter. The hosts stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead up to 33 points by halftime. The Spurs brought a better effort in the third but could not cut into the deficit and trailed by 34, heading into the final quarter. The Thunder cruised through the fourth and closed out a third straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points, six rebounds and five assists, in 26 minutes of action. Josh Giddey followed up with 20 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Gordon Hayward totaled 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Zach Collins led the Spurs with 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks, in 26 minutes. Sidy Cissoko followed up with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Raiquan Gray and Tre Jones chipped in 13 points each.
The Spurs (20-60) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Friday. The Thunder (55-25) play host to the Bucks on Friday.
The Spurs were without Victor Wembanyama and Keldon Johnson, and the Thunder took full advantage by jumping out to a, 34-11, lead after one quarter. The hosts stayed in control through the second and pushed their lead up to 33 points by halftime. The Spurs brought a better effort in the third but could not cut into the deficit and trailed by 34, heading into the final quarter. The Thunder cruised through the fourth and closed out a third straight win.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points, six rebounds and five assists, in 26 minutes of action. Josh Giddey followed up with 20 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Gordon Hayward totaled 18 points on 6-for-8 shooting, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Zach Collins led the Spurs with 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks, in 26 minutes. Sidy Cissoko followed up with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Raiquan Gray and Tre Jones chipped in 13 points each.
The Spurs (20-60) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Nuggets on Friday. The Thunder (55-25) play host to the Bucks on Friday.
Nuggets Defeat T'Wolves, 116-107
The Denver Nuggets defeated the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 116-107, at Ball Arena on Wednesday.
Neither team led by more than seven points through the opening 40 minutes of this game, with Denver closing things with a 67-55 second half. There were five ties and 15 lead changes before Denver took command in the closing minutes. The Nuggets shot 55 percent from the field while holding the Timberwolves to 50 percent shooting. Denver also out-assisted Minnesota, 31-23, while out-rebounding them, 54-43.
The Timberwolves (55-25) were led by Anthony Edwards, finishing with 25 points, two rebounds and four assists. Mike Conley collected 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Rudy Gobert had 13 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Naz Reid registered 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (56-24) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 41 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and three steals on 16-of-20 shooting. Jamal Murray amassed 20 points, four rebounds and six assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Aaron Gordon accrued five points, five rebounds and nine assists. Peyton Watson provided three points, four rebounds, four assists and six blocks off the bench.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Denver traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota returning home to play the Atlanta Hawks. If the Nuggets win their final two games, they'll claim the top-seed in the West.
Neither team led by more than seven points through the opening 40 minutes of this game, with Denver closing things with a 67-55 second half. There were five ties and 15 lead changes before Denver took command in the closing minutes. The Nuggets shot 55 percent from the field while holding the Timberwolves to 50 percent shooting. Denver also out-assisted Minnesota, 31-23, while out-rebounding them, 54-43.
The Timberwolves (55-25) were led by Anthony Edwards, finishing with 25 points, two rebounds and four assists. Mike Conley collected 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Rudy Gobert had 13 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Naz Reid registered 13 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.
The Nuggets (56-24) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 41 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists and three steals on 16-of-20 shooting. Jamal Murray amassed 20 points, four rebounds and six assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 18 points, eight rebounds and two assists, while Aaron Gordon accrued five points, five rebounds and nine assists. Peyton Watson provided three points, four rebounds, four assists and six blocks off the bench.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Denver traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota returning home to play the Atlanta Hawks. If the Nuggets win their final two games, they'll claim the top-seed in the West.
Suns Defeat Shorthanded Clippers, 124-108
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Los Angeles Clippers, 124-108, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
This 16-point final scoreline is unfair to Los Angeles because that was the largest lead of the game. In fact, the Clippers had a six-point lead in the fourth quarter but the Suns closed the game on a 26-4 run over the final eight minutes to prevail. There were 10 ties and 22 lead changes before that deciding run, with Phoenix outscoring Los Angeles in that fourth quarter, 32-15. The Suns shot 48 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding the Clippers to 46 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Phoenix out-rebounded Los Angeles. 56-47, while out-assisting them, 29-23.
The Suns (47-33) were led by Devin Booker, finishing with 37 points and four assists. Bradley Beal totaled 26 points, five rebounds and four assists. Kevin Durant collected 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkic had three points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists, while Royce O'Neale rounded out the starting lineup with 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Clippers (51-29) were led by Bones Hyland, finishing with 37 points, four rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Mason Plumlee provided 12 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Brandon Boston led the bench with 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, Russell Westbrook and James Harden all sat this game.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix traveling to face the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Utah Jazz.
This 16-point final scoreline is unfair to Los Angeles because that was the largest lead of the game. In fact, the Clippers had a six-point lead in the fourth quarter but the Suns closed the game on a 26-4 run over the final eight minutes to prevail. There were 10 ties and 22 lead changes before that deciding run, with Phoenix outscoring Los Angeles in that fourth quarter, 32-15. The Suns shot 48 percent from the field and 33 percent from three-point range while holding the Clippers to 46 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Phoenix out-rebounded Los Angeles. 56-47, while out-assisting them, 29-23.
The Suns (47-33) were led by Devin Booker, finishing with 37 points and four assists. Bradley Beal totaled 26 points, five rebounds and four assists. Kevin Durant collected 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jusuf Nurkic had three points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists, while Royce O'Neale rounded out the starting lineup with 15 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.
The Clippers (51-29) were led by Bones Hyland, finishing with 37 points, four rebounds, nine assists and three steals. Mason Plumlee provided 12 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Brandon Boston led the bench with 23 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Ivica Zubac, Norman Powell, Russell Westbrook and James Harden all sat this game.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Phoenix traveling to face the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles remaining home to play the Utah Jazz.