Butler, Rozier power Heat over Cavaliers on Wednesday
The Miami Heat outlasted the Cleveland Cavaliers, 107-104, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Wednesday night.
The first two quarters of Wednesday’s game followed a similar script, with the Heat (38-31) getting out to an early lead only for the Cavaliers (43-26) to whittle the deficit down. Miami entered halftime with a 61-57 lead and were able to hold Cleveland to just 18 points in the third quarter. The Cavaliers were competitive down the stretch and they regained the lead with four minutes to play. The two teams traded buckets down in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, but the Heat were able to squeak out the win and improve their road record to 21-16, while the Cavaliers dropped to 22-14 at home.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 30 points, four rebounds, five assists and four steals. Terry Rozier contributed 24 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Nikola Jovic added 14 points and six rebounds. Patty Mills contributed 10 points, four assists and two steals, while Thomas Bryant had six points and 10 rebounds. Orlando Robinson led the bench with eight points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Cavaliers were led by Jarrett Allen, who registered his third 20-20 game of his career and finished with 25 points, 20 rebounds and three assists. Darius Garland had 20 points and nine assists, while Gorgi Niang chipped in 18 points and three rebounds. Caris LeVert finished with 16 points, five rebounds, 12 assists and two steals for his sixth double-double of the season. Sam Merrill led the bench with 12 points.
Both teams will play their next games Friday, March 22. The Heat begin a four-game homestand starting with the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Cavaliers hit the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The first two quarters of Wednesday’s game followed a similar script, with the Heat (38-31) getting out to an early lead only for the Cavaliers (43-26) to whittle the deficit down. Miami entered halftime with a 61-57 lead and were able to hold Cleveland to just 18 points in the third quarter. The Cavaliers were competitive down the stretch and they regained the lead with four minutes to play. The two teams traded buckets down in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, but the Heat were able to squeak out the win and improve their road record to 21-16, while the Cavaliers dropped to 22-14 at home.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 30 points, four rebounds, five assists and four steals. Terry Rozier contributed 24 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Nikola Jovic added 14 points and six rebounds. Patty Mills contributed 10 points, four assists and two steals, while Thomas Bryant had six points and 10 rebounds. Orlando Robinson led the bench with eight points, two rebounds and two assists.
The Cavaliers were led by Jarrett Allen, who registered his third 20-20 game of his career and finished with 25 points, 20 rebounds and three assists. Darius Garland had 20 points and nine assists, while Gorgi Niang chipped in 18 points and three rebounds. Caris LeVert finished with 16 points, five rebounds, 12 assists and two steals for his sixth double-double of the season. Sam Merrill led the bench with 12 points.
Both teams will play their next games Friday, March 22. The Heat begin a four-game homestand starting with the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Cavaliers hit the road to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Pacers Dominate With Ease, Defeat Pistons
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Detroit Pistons, 122-103, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday.
The Pacers (39-31) enjoyed a strong start and didn’t have significant problems getting past the Pistons (12-57) despite playing on the road. With the win, the Pacers moved to 18-16 on the road, while Detroit fell to 7-29 at home. The Pacers raced to a 29-24 lead in the first quarter, and by the time the second quarter ended, it was an 11-point lead for Indiana. The Pacers also won the third quarter by a 35-26 score, so their lead was 20 points, meaning the game was all but over. The Pistons won the final 12 minutes by a 25-24 score, but it was not enough to mount a comeback, and the Pacers closed things out with ease.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Pacers with 25 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Tyrese Haliburton notched 20 points, nine assists, four steals and three rebounds. T.J. McConnell delivered 13 points and six assists coming off the bench. Isaiah Jackson posted a double-double off the bench after posting 10 points and 11 rebounds. Aaron Nesmith delivered 14 points. The Pacers shot 56.8 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from three-point range.
Cade Cunningham led the way for the Pistons with 23 points and 10 assists while also adding six rebounds. Jalen Duren posted an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double. Tosan Evbuomwan also had 11 points. Jaden Ivey notched 15 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. No other Detroit players scored in double digits. The Pistons shot 41.1 percent from the field and 21.7 percent from deep.
The Pacers (39-31) enjoyed a strong start and didn’t have significant problems getting past the Pistons (12-57) despite playing on the road. With the win, the Pacers moved to 18-16 on the road, while Detroit fell to 7-29 at home. The Pacers raced to a 29-24 lead in the first quarter, and by the time the second quarter ended, it was an 11-point lead for Indiana. The Pacers also won the third quarter by a 35-26 score, so their lead was 20 points, meaning the game was all but over. The Pistons won the final 12 minutes by a 25-24 score, but it was not enough to mount a comeback, and the Pacers closed things out with ease.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Pacers with 25 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Tyrese Haliburton notched 20 points, nine assists, four steals and three rebounds. T.J. McConnell delivered 13 points and six assists coming off the bench. Isaiah Jackson posted a double-double off the bench after posting 10 points and 11 rebounds. Aaron Nesmith delivered 14 points. The Pacers shot 56.8 percent from the field and 37.9 percent from three-point range.
Cade Cunningham led the way for the Pistons with 23 points and 10 assists while also adding six rebounds. Jalen Duren posted an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double. Tosan Evbuomwan also had 11 points. Jaden Ivey notched 15 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. No other Detroit players scored in double digits. The Pistons shot 41.1 percent from the field and 21.7 percent from deep.
Celtics Hold On To Get Past Bucks
The Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 122-119, at TD Garden on Wednesday.
The Bucks (44-25) and the Celtics (55-14) played a tight contest that went down to the wire. However, it didn’t look as such early on. Boston looked dominant in the first half and raced to a 33-28 lead in the first quarter. The Celtics bolstered that advantage even further following a 36-28 score before halftime, allowing Boston to build a 13-point advantage. The Celtics also won the third quarter, 32-27, and they built an 18-point advantage with only 12 minutes left. The Bucks woke up and outscored Boston by a 36-21 margin in the fourth quarter, but they didn’t have enough time to complete the comeback. With the win, the Celtics moved to 32-3 at home, while the Bucks fell to 17-18 on the road.
Jayson Tatum filled the stat sheet in leading the Celtics with 31 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Derrick White ended with 23 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Jaylen Brown posted 21 points and eight rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis delivered 17 points and three rebounds. Boston shot 47.1 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range.
Damian Lillard had 32 points, six assists and four rebounds to lead Milwaukee. Bobby Portis looked impressive off the bench and recorded a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double. Khris Middleton posted 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Milwaukee shot 53.6 percent from the field and 48.6 percent from three-point range.
The Bucks (44-25) and the Celtics (55-14) played a tight contest that went down to the wire. However, it didn’t look as such early on. Boston looked dominant in the first half and raced to a 33-28 lead in the first quarter. The Celtics bolstered that advantage even further following a 36-28 score before halftime, allowing Boston to build a 13-point advantage. The Celtics also won the third quarter, 32-27, and they built an 18-point advantage with only 12 minutes left. The Bucks woke up and outscored Boston by a 36-21 margin in the fourth quarter, but they didn’t have enough time to complete the comeback. With the win, the Celtics moved to 32-3 at home, while the Bucks fell to 17-18 on the road.
Jayson Tatum filled the stat sheet in leading the Celtics with 31 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks. Derrick White ended with 23 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Jaylen Brown posted 21 points and eight rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis delivered 17 points and three rebounds. Boston shot 47.1 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range.
Damian Lillard had 32 points, six assists and four rebounds to lead Milwaukee. Bobby Portis looked impressive off the bench and recorded a 24-point, 15-rebound double-double. Khris Middleton posted 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Milwaukee shot 53.6 percent from the field and 48.6 percent from three-point range.
Kings Thump Raptors, 123-89
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Toronto Raptors, 123-89, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The Kings (40-28) came in as heavy road favorites, but they were only able to muster a five-point advantage after one. However, Sacramento then exerted its will as expected in the second, doubling up the Raptors' (23-46) in the second with a 36-18 edge. Any hope of Toronto mounting a second-half comeback was snuffed out in the third quarter, when the visitors added another 11 points to their lead on the way to easy victory.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 20 points, complementing them with five assists, four rebounds and two steals. Malik Monk supplied 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Harrison Barnes registered 16 points, two boards and one assist. Chris Duarte furnished 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis generated a 13-point, 17-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one block. Keegan Murray totaled 10 points, eight boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Gary Trent Jr. paced the Raptors with 18 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ochai Agbaji and Jordan Nwora generated matching 13-point tallies while pulling down three and two rebounds, respectively. Jahmius Ramsey supplied 11 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Thursday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.
The Kings (40-28) came in as heavy road favorites, but they were only able to muster a five-point advantage after one. However, Sacramento then exerted its will as expected in the second, doubling up the Raptors' (23-46) in the second with a 36-18 edge. Any hope of Toronto mounting a second-half comeback was snuffed out in the third quarter, when the visitors added another 11 points to their lead on the way to easy victory.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 20 points, complementing them with five assists, four rebounds and two steals. Malik Monk supplied 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Harrison Barnes registered 16 points, two boards and one assist. Chris Duarte furnished 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis generated a 13-point, 17-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one block. Keegan Murray totaled 10 points, eight boards, one assist, two blocks and one steal.
Gary Trent Jr. paced the Raptors with 18 points, supplementing them with six rebounds, two assists and one steal. Ochai Agbaji and Jordan Nwora generated matching 13-point tallies while pulling down three and two rebounds, respectively. Jahmius Ramsey supplied 11 points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.
The Kings remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Thursday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.
Thunder Topples Jazz, 119-107
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Utah Jazz, 119-107, at Paycom Center on Wednesday night.
The Thunder (48-20) validated their big home favorite status by forging a 31-25 lead through one, but the Jazz (29-40) surprisingly came back in the second to not only eliminate their deficit altogether, but take a one-point advantage into halftime. Oklahoma City was able to come back in the third and take a two-point edge into the final period, and they were ultimately able to close out a victory that was bit harder than expected by outscoring Utah, 37-27, in the final 12 minutes.
Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 25 points, complementing them with seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. John Collins registered 16 points, six boards and one steal. Taylor Hendricks recorded 12 points, four boards, one assist and three blocks.
Chet Holmgren paced the Thunder with a 35-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and two steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander provided 31 points, seven assists, three rebounds and four steals. Jalen Williams went for 18 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal.
The Jazz next visits the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, while the Thunder visits the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
The Thunder (48-20) validated their big home favorite status by forging a 31-25 lead through one, but the Jazz (29-40) surprisingly came back in the second to not only eliminate their deficit altogether, but take a one-point advantage into halftime. Oklahoma City was able to come back in the third and take a two-point edge into the final period, and they were ultimately able to close out a victory that was bit harder than expected by outscoring Utah, 37-27, in the final 12 minutes.
Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 25 points, complementing them with seven assists, five rebounds and two steals. John Collins registered 16 points, six boards and one steal. Taylor Hendricks recorded 12 points, four boards, one assist and three blocks.
Chet Holmgren paced the Thunder with a 35-point, 14-rebound double-double that included one assist, three blocks and two steals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander provided 31 points, seven assists, three rebounds and four steals. Jalen Williams went for 18 points, four assists, two rebounds and one steal.
The Jazz next visits the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night, while the Thunder visits the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.
Warriors Rally At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Golden State Warriors defeated the visiting Memphis Grizzlies, 137-116, at Chase Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Warriors led, 33-32, after one quarter. The hosts picked up momentum in the second and rallied to a 10-point advantage by halftime. The Grizzlies brought a good effort again in the third, but the Warriors topped it, outscoring the visitors, 40-32, to make it an 18-point game heading into the final quarter. The Grizzlies kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Warriors left nothing to chance as they confidently closed out their second win in three games. This also marks the fourth straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Jonathan Kuminga led the Warriors with 26 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 28 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting, off the bench. Andrew Wiggins came up large with 22 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a block.
Meanwhile, GG Jackson led the Grizzlies with 35 points, five rebounds and three assists, in 35 minutes. Jaren Jackson followed up with 28 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Santi Aldama totaled 27 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.
The Grizzlies (23-47) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday. The Warriors (36-32) play host to the Pacers on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Warriors led, 33-32, after one quarter. The hosts picked up momentum in the second and rallied to a 10-point advantage by halftime. The Grizzlies brought a good effort again in the third, but the Warriors topped it, outscoring the visitors, 40-32, to make it an 18-point game heading into the final quarter. The Grizzlies kept up the fight in the fourth, but the Warriors left nothing to chance as they confidently closed out their second win in three games. This also marks the fourth straight loss for the Grizzlies.
Jonathan Kuminga led the Warriors with 26 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals, in 28 minutes. Klay Thompson followed up with 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting, off the bench. Andrew Wiggins came up large with 22 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and a block.
Meanwhile, GG Jackson led the Grizzlies with 35 points, five rebounds and three assists, in 35 minutes. Jaren Jackson followed up with 28 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Santi Aldama totaled 27 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block.
The Grizzlies (23-47) will look to bounce back as they take on the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday. The Warriors (36-32) play host to the Pacers on Friday.
Suns Defeat Sixers, 115-102
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Philadelphia 76ers, 115-102, at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
This game looks much closer than it actually was, with Phoenix maintaining the lead for the entirety of the second half. They outscored Philadelphia in the second and third quarters, 69-43, getting their lead up to 26 points. They held a double-digit lead for the closing 18 minutes. The Suns shot 50 percent from the field, 49 percent from three-point range and 75 percent from the free-throw line, while the Sixers shot 43 percent from the field, 35 percent from long range and 39 percent from the charity stripe. Phoenix out-rebounded Philly, 60-52.
The Sixers (38-31) had just one starter reach double figures in scoring, with Kelly Oubre collecting 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks. Jeff Dowtin and Cameron Payne led the bench with 12 points apiece. KJ Martin amassed 11 points, 13 rebounds and two assists, while Tyrese Maxey amassed six points and seven assists.
The Suns (40-29) were led by Grayson Allen, finishing with 32 points, three rebounds and five assists. Kevin Durant tallied 22 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Devin Booker compiled 18 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, while Jusuf Nurkic totaled 10 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
On deck for Philly is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. As for Phoenix, they play again on Thursday, remaining home to face the Atlanta Hawks.
This game looks much closer than it actually was, with Phoenix maintaining the lead for the entirety of the second half. They outscored Philadelphia in the second and third quarters, 69-43, getting their lead up to 26 points. They held a double-digit lead for the closing 18 minutes. The Suns shot 50 percent from the field, 49 percent from three-point range and 75 percent from the free-throw line, while the Sixers shot 43 percent from the field, 35 percent from long range and 39 percent from the charity stripe. Phoenix out-rebounded Philly, 60-52.
The Sixers (38-31) had just one starter reach double figures in scoring, with Kelly Oubre collecting 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks. Jeff Dowtin and Cameron Payne led the bench with 12 points apiece. KJ Martin amassed 11 points, 13 rebounds and two assists, while Tyrese Maxey amassed six points and seven assists.
The Suns (40-29) were led by Grayson Allen, finishing with 32 points, three rebounds and five assists. Kevin Durant tallied 22 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Devin Booker compiled 18 points, nine rebounds, 11 assists and two steals, while Jusuf Nurkic totaled 10 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
On deck for Philly is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. As for Phoenix, they play again on Thursday, remaining home to face the Atlanta Hawks.
Clippers Defeat Blazers, 116-103
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 116-103, at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday.
While there were nine lead changes through the opening 15 minutes, Los Angeles took control with a 33-22 second quarter. They never gave up the lead after that, completing their blowout win behind a 34-20 third quarter. They got their lead up to 27 points at times. Los Angeles shot 52 percent from the field and 87 percent from the free-throw line, while Portland shot 48 percent from the field and 67 percent from the charity stripe. The Clippers also recorded 29 assists to 11 turnovers, while the Trail Blazers had 21 assists to 17 turnovers. That can be attributed to LA recording 15 steals.
The Clippers (43-25) were led by Paul George, providing 27 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kawhi Leonard collected 24 points, four rebounds, two assists and four steals. James Harden had 19 points, four rebounds and 14 assists, while Ivica Zubac amassed 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers (19-50) were led by Scoot Henderson, finishing with 18 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Kris Murray totaled 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. Anfernee Simons accrued 14 points and four boards, while Deandre Ayton had eight points and seven boards. Dalano Banton and Jabari Walker led the bench with 12 points and three rebounds apiece.
These teams will have a rematch on Friday for their next outing.
While there were nine lead changes through the opening 15 minutes, Los Angeles took control with a 33-22 second quarter. They never gave up the lead after that, completing their blowout win behind a 34-20 third quarter. They got their lead up to 27 points at times. Los Angeles shot 52 percent from the field and 87 percent from the free-throw line, while Portland shot 48 percent from the field and 67 percent from the charity stripe. The Clippers also recorded 29 assists to 11 turnovers, while the Trail Blazers had 21 assists to 17 turnovers. That can be attributed to LA recording 15 steals.
The Clippers (43-25) were led by Paul George, providing 27 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Kawhi Leonard collected 24 points, four rebounds, two assists and four steals. James Harden had 19 points, four rebounds and 14 assists, while Ivica Zubac amassed 14 points, nine rebounds, two assists, four steals and two blocks.
The Trail Blazers (19-50) were led by Scoot Henderson, finishing with 18 points, two rebounds, five assists and two steals. Kris Murray totaled 17 points, five rebounds and two assists. Anfernee Simons accrued 14 points and four boards, while Deandre Ayton had eight points and seven boards. Dalano Banton and Jabari Walker led the bench with 12 points and three rebounds apiece.
These teams will have a rematch on Friday for their next outing.