Williamson's 36 points powers Pelicans over Pistons on Sunday
The New Orleans Pelicans took down the Detroit Pistons, 114-101, at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday.
The Pelicans (44-27) took control from the tip, winning the first quarter 29-10 as the Pistons (7-31) made just four field goals in the frame. That was ultimately the difference in this game, as New Orleans were able to maintain its double-digit lead and ballooned the cushion to as much as 22 points. The Pelicans improved their road record to 24-14, shooting 50.6 percent from the field and turned 17 Detroit turnovers into 20 points. The Pistons dropped to 7-31 at home as they struggled from three, hitting just 11-of-41 shots from beyond the arc.
Zion Williamson made all but one of his 14 shot attempts and finished with a game-high 36 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. CJ McCollum added 23 points, two rebounds and seven assists, while Naji Marshall led the bench with 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jonas Valanciunas tallied 13 points and six rebounds, while Trey Murphy supplied eight points, eight rebounds, two assists and a game-high four blocks.
Chimeszie Metu led the Pistons’ starters with 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Malachi Flynn led the reserves with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jaden Ivey contributed 16 points, two rebounds and four assists. James Wiseman registered his third double-double of the season, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Buddy Boeheim had 13 points, three rebounds and three assists off the pine.
With the win Sunday, the Pelicans swept the season series over the Pistons, 2-0.
On deck, the Pistons start a three-game road trip Monday against the New York Knicks, while the Pelicans begin a six-game homestand Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Pelicans (44-27) took control from the tip, winning the first quarter 29-10 as the Pistons (7-31) made just four field goals in the frame. That was ultimately the difference in this game, as New Orleans were able to maintain its double-digit lead and ballooned the cushion to as much as 22 points. The Pelicans improved their road record to 24-14, shooting 50.6 percent from the field and turned 17 Detroit turnovers into 20 points. The Pistons dropped to 7-31 at home as they struggled from three, hitting just 11-of-41 shots from beyond the arc.
Zion Williamson made all but one of his 14 shot attempts and finished with a game-high 36 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. CJ McCollum added 23 points, two rebounds and seven assists, while Naji Marshall led the bench with 14 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Jonas Valanciunas tallied 13 points and six rebounds, while Trey Murphy supplied eight points, eight rebounds, two assists and a game-high four blocks.
Chimeszie Metu led the Pistons’ starters with 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists, while Malachi Flynn led the reserves with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. Jaden Ivey contributed 16 points, two rebounds and four assists. James Wiseman registered his third double-double of the season, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Buddy Boeheim had 13 points, three rebounds and three assists off the pine.
With the win Sunday, the Pelicans swept the season series over the Pistons, 2-0.
On deck, the Pistons start a three-game road trip Monday against the New York Knicks, while the Pelicans begin a six-game homestand Tuesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
76ers Use Strong Start To Top Clippers
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers, 121-107, at crypto.com Arena on Sunday afternoon.
The 76ers (39-32) enjoyed a strong start and that was enough to get past the Clippers (44-26). Philadelphia raced to a 41-29 lead in the first quarter and that set the tone of the contest. The Clippers fought back and showed a will to turn things around, winning both the second and third quarters. The Clippers made it a five-point game with only 12 minutes left and seemed prime to make a comeback. However, the Sixers closed the game out with a strong performance in the final 12 minutes. Philadelphia won the fourth quarter by a 33-24 score to secure a tight win on the road.
Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey led the way for the 76ers after scoring 24 points each. Maxey also ended with six dimes and scored 19 of his 24 points during the second half. Kelly Oubre delivered 12 points and also dished out six assists. Cameron Payne made his presence felt off the bench and delivered 23 points, five assists and three rebounds. Paul Reed had 10 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Kawhi Leonard delivered 20 points to lead the Clippers though he also chipped in with six rebounds and three assists. Norman Powell also had 20 points while coming off the bench. Ivica Zubac ended with a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double. Paul George delivered 18 points and three rebounds. James Harden recorded a double-double of 12 points and 14 assists.
The 76ers (39-32) enjoyed a strong start and that was enough to get past the Clippers (44-26). Philadelphia raced to a 41-29 lead in the first quarter and that set the tone of the contest. The Clippers fought back and showed a will to turn things around, winning both the second and third quarters. The Clippers made it a five-point game with only 12 minutes left and seemed prime to make a comeback. However, the Sixers closed the game out with a strong performance in the final 12 minutes. Philadelphia won the fourth quarter by a 33-24 score to secure a tight win on the road.
Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey led the way for the 76ers after scoring 24 points each. Maxey also ended with six dimes and scored 19 of his 24 points during the second half. Kelly Oubre delivered 12 points and also dished out six assists. Cameron Payne made his presence felt off the bench and delivered 23 points, five assists and three rebounds. Paul Reed had 10 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Kawhi Leonard delivered 20 points to lead the Clippers though he also chipped in with six rebounds and three assists. Norman Powell also had 20 points while coming off the bench. Ivica Zubac ended with a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double. Paul George delivered 18 points and three rebounds. James Harden recorded a double-double of 12 points and 14 assists.
Heat Blasts Cavaliers, 121-84
The Miami Heat defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 121-84, at Kaseya Center on Sunday evening.
The Heat (39-32) started fast against a Donovan Mitchell-less Cavaliers (43-28) squad, jumping out to a 32-22 lead through one. Miami then turned it up several notches on defense through the middle quarters, allowing only 35 points to Cleveland over the second and third periods to take an insurmountable 33-point advantage into the final period.
Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 15 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland generated matching nine-point, three-assist tallies while recording four and three rebounds, respectively. Damian Jones and Emoni Bates matched their teammates' scoring, with Bates adding one assist.
Haywood Highsmith paced the Heat with 18 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo posted a 15-point, 16-rebound double-double that included four assists and five steals. Jimmy Butler matched Adebayo's scoring and also provided six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Terry Rozier and Thomas Bryant tallied 14 points apiece while also recording five assists and five rebounds, respectively. Caleb Martin supplied 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Cavaliers return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night.
The Heat (39-32) started fast against a Donovan Mitchell-less Cavaliers (43-28) squad, jumping out to a 32-22 lead through one. Miami then turned it up several notches on defense through the middle quarters, allowing only 35 points to Cleveland over the second and third periods to take an insurmountable 33-point advantage into the final period.
Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 15 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland generated matching nine-point, three-assist tallies while recording four and three rebounds, respectively. Damian Jones and Emoni Bates matched their teammates' scoring, with Bates adding one assist.
Haywood Highsmith paced the Heat with 18 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, two assists and one steal. Bam Adebayo posted a 15-point, 16-rebound double-double that included four assists and five steals. Jimmy Butler matched Adebayo's scoring and also provided six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Terry Rozier and Thomas Bryant tallied 14 points apiece while also recording five assists and five rebounds, respectively. Caleb Martin supplied 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The Cavaliers return home to host the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, while the Heat remains home and hosts the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night.
Bucks Thump Thunder, 118-93
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 118-93, at Fiserv Forum on Sunday night.
What was expected to be a potential buzzer-to-buzzer battle started off in that fashion, as the Bucks (46-25) owned a three-point lead through one but the Thunder (49-21) came back to cut their deficit down to one by halftime. However, the tide of the game turned for good in the third, a quarter when Milwaukee forged a 34-17 advantage before tacking on another 36 points in the final period on the way to a comfortable victory.
Josh Giddey led the Thunder with 19 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and eight assists. Jalen Williams supplied 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander furnished 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a 30-point, 19-rebound double-double that included four assists and one block. Bobby Portis registered 15 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals. Brook Lopez tallied 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Khris Middleton generated an 11-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one block. Damian Lillard and Pat Connaughton matched Middleton's scoring and Lillard added six rebounds and five assists. Jae Crowder delivered 10 points, two boards, two assists and one steal.
The Thunder remain on the road and visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, while the Bucks remain home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night as well.
What was expected to be a potential buzzer-to-buzzer battle started off in that fashion, as the Bucks (46-25) owned a three-point lead through one but the Thunder (49-21) came back to cut their deficit down to one by halftime. However, the tide of the game turned for good in the third, a quarter when Milwaukee forged a 34-17 advantage before tacking on another 36 points in the final period on the way to a comfortable victory.
Josh Giddey led the Thunder with 19 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and eight assists. Jalen Williams supplied 18 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander furnished 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, three steals and one block.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a 30-point, 19-rebound double-double that included four assists and one block. Bobby Portis registered 15 points, six rebounds, two assists and three steals. Brook Lopez tallied 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Khris Middleton generated an 11-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included one block. Damian Lillard and Pat Connaughton matched Middleton's scoring and Lillard added six rebounds and five assists. Jae Crowder delivered 10 points, two boards, two assists and one steal.
The Thunder remain on the road and visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night, while the Bucks remain home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night as well.
T'Wolves Defeat Warriors, 114-110
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Golden State Warriors, 114-110, at Target Center on Sunday.
While Golden State held the lead for 34 of the opening 37 minutes in this game, Minnesota rode a 68-56 second half to their comeback victory. There were five ties and five lead changes in total, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. The Timberwolves shot 48 percent from the field and 53 percent from three-point range (21-of-40), while the Warriors shot 45 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range (14-of-36). Minnesota also out-assisted Golden State, 30-23.
The Warriors (36-34) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 31 points, four rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 15 points, four rebounds and two steals. Jonathan Kuminga compiled 14 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Draymond Green generated 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Klay Thompson led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Timberwolves (49-22) were led by Anthony Edwards, tallying 23 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Naz Reid registered 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Rudy Gobert gobbled up 17 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, while Mike Conley had 14 points, seven assists and four steals. Kyle Anderson led the bench with 10 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
On deck for Golden State is a road matchup with the Miami Heat on Tuesday. As for Minnesota, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Detroit Pistons.
While Golden State held the lead for 34 of the opening 37 minutes in this game, Minnesota rode a 68-56 second half to their comeback victory. There were five ties and five lead changes in total, with neither team leading by more than 12 points. The Timberwolves shot 48 percent from the field and 53 percent from three-point range (21-of-40), while the Warriors shot 45 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range (14-of-36). Minnesota also out-assisted Golden State, 30-23.
The Warriors (36-34) were led by Stephen Curry, collecting 31 points, four rebounds and three assists. Andrew Wiggins amassed 15 points, four rebounds and two steals. Jonathan Kuminga compiled 14 points, three rebounds and two assists, while Draymond Green generated 12 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Klay Thompson led the bench with 16 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The Timberwolves (49-22) were led by Anthony Edwards, tallying 23 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Naz Reid registered 20 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Rudy Gobert gobbled up 17 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, while Mike Conley had 14 points, seven assists and four steals. Kyle Anderson led the bench with 10 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.
On deck for Golden State is a road matchup with the Miami Heat on Tuesday. As for Minnesota, they return to action on Wednesday in a home matchup with the Detroit Pistons.
Lakers Rise Above Pacers In Shootout
By Dan Bruno
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 150-145, at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Pacers held a, 36-30, lead after one quarter. The Lakers turned up their play in the second and outscored the visitors, 42-32, to earn a four-point lead by halftime. The hosts kept up the pace in the third and outscore the Pacers, 44-31, to push their lead up to 17-points heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth and poured in 46 points in the quarter but it was not enough as the Lakers held on for their third straight win.
The Lakers earned a whopping 43 free throws, resulting in 38 points to help round out their winning effort. Anthony Davis led the way with 36 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, in 40 minutes. LeBron James tallied 26 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, a steal and a block, while Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 26 points, two rebounds, five assists, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 36 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, in 33 minutes. Myles Turner followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Tyrese Haliburton logged 12 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two steals.
The Pacers (40-32) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Clippers in L.A. on Monday. The Lakers (39-32) take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Tuesday.
The game got out to a competitive start, as the Pacers held a, 36-30, lead after one quarter. The Lakers turned up their play in the second and outscored the visitors, 42-32, to earn a four-point lead by halftime. The hosts kept up the pace in the third and outscore the Pacers, 44-31, to push their lead up to 17-points heading into the final frame. The visitors kept up the fight in the fourth and poured in 46 points in the quarter but it was not enough as the Lakers held on for their third straight win.
The Lakers earned a whopping 43 free throws, resulting in 38 points to help round out their winning effort. Anthony Davis led the way with 36 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block, in 40 minutes. LeBron James tallied 26 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, a steal and a block, while Spencer Dinwiddie finished with 26 points, two rebounds, five assists, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 36 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, in 33 minutes. Myles Turner followed up with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks, while Tyrese Haliburton logged 12 points, six rebounds, 10 assists and two steals.
The Pacers (40-32) will look to bounce back as they clash with the Clippers in L.A. on Monday. The Lakers (39-32) take on the Bucks in Milwaukee on Tuesday.