Curry's double-double helps Warriors overcome Magic on Wednesday
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Orlando Magic, 101-93, at the Kia Center on Wednesday night.
The Warriors (38-34) took control of the game early, as they went on an 18-3 run to end the first quarter up 27-11. The Magic (42-30) clawed back in the second quarter to reduce the deficit to single digits going into halftime. Orlando had short runs on multiple occasions in the second half to get within a bucket, but Golden State consistently answered with runs of its own. The Magic were within one point with less than three minutes to play, but the Warriors closed the game on a 7-0 run to improve to 20-15 on the road, while Orlando dropped to 25-11 at home.
Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 23 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Steph Curry tallied 17 points, four rebounds and 10 assists for his seventh double-double of the season. Klay Thompson chipped in 15 points and two assists. Moses Moody led the bench with 12 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Gary Payton added 10 points and three steals off the pine.
Cole Anthony led the Magic off the bench with 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Paolo Banchero added 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Franz Wagner totaled 14 points and five rebounds. Jonathan Isaac added nine points, five rebounds and two blocks in reserve. Wendell Carter finished with seven points, six rebounds and two steals.
Both teams next play March 29. The Warriors head to Charlotte to take on the Hornets, while the Magic host the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Warriors (38-34) took control of the game early, as they went on an 18-3 run to end the first quarter up 27-11. The Magic (42-30) clawed back in the second quarter to reduce the deficit to single digits going into halftime. Orlando had short runs on multiple occasions in the second half to get within a bucket, but Golden State consistently answered with runs of its own. The Magic were within one point with less than three minutes to play, but the Warriors closed the game on a 7-0 run to improve to 20-15 on the road, while Orlando dropped to 25-11 at home.
Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 23 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Steph Curry tallied 17 points, four rebounds and 10 assists for his seventh double-double of the season. Klay Thompson chipped in 15 points and two assists. Moses Moody led the bench with 12 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Gary Payton added 10 points and three steals off the pine.
Cole Anthony led the Magic off the bench with 26 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Paolo Banchero added 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Franz Wagner totaled 14 points and five rebounds. Jonathan Isaac added nine points, five rebounds and two blocks in reserve. Wendell Carter finished with seven points, six rebounds and two steals.
Both teams next play March 29. The Warriors head to Charlotte to take on the Hornets, while the Magic host the Los Angeles Clippers.
Nets Edge Wizards Following Overtime
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Washington Wizards following overtime, 122-119, at Capital One Arena on Wednesday.
The Nets (28-45) and the Wizards (14-59) needed to play extra minutes to find a winner. Still, Brooklyn executed better during overtime to secure the victory after Jordan Poole missed an open three-pointer at the buzzer. This was a back-and-forth contest early on, with the Wizards jumping to a 33-31 score in the first quarter, but the Nets responded with a 30-21 score in the second quarter. A 37-31 score in the third quarter reduced the deficit, and it was a one-point differential with 12 minutes left. The Wizards forced overtime after winning the fourth quarter by a 21-20 score, but they couldn’t maintain that momentum during overtime. The Nets outscored the Wizards 10-7 in the extra five minutes to secure the victory. With the win, the Nets moved to 12-26 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 6-29 at home.
Cam Thomas scored 38 points to lead the Nets in scoring, and he also added seven assists and two rebounds. Dennis Schroder had 21 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Nic Claxton recorded a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds while adding three blocks. Mikal Bridges finished with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals. Trendon Watford had 12 points off the bench. The Nets shot 48 percent from the field and 30.3 percent from three-point range.
Jordan Poole recorded 38 points to lead the Wizards, and he also chipped in with eight assists and seven rebounds. Kyle Kuzma had 24 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Deni Avdija delivered 17 points and 12 rebounds. Corey Kispert had 15 points. Marvin Bagley III recorded 18 points off the bench. The Wizards shot 50.5 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from three-point range.
The Nets (28-45) and the Wizards (14-59) needed to play extra minutes to find a winner. Still, Brooklyn executed better during overtime to secure the victory after Jordan Poole missed an open three-pointer at the buzzer. This was a back-and-forth contest early on, with the Wizards jumping to a 33-31 score in the first quarter, but the Nets responded with a 30-21 score in the second quarter. A 37-31 score in the third quarter reduced the deficit, and it was a one-point differential with 12 minutes left. The Wizards forced overtime after winning the fourth quarter by a 21-20 score, but they couldn’t maintain that momentum during overtime. The Nets outscored the Wizards 10-7 in the extra five minutes to secure the victory. With the win, the Nets moved to 12-26 on the road, while the Wizards fell to 6-29 at home.
Cam Thomas scored 38 points to lead the Nets in scoring, and he also added seven assists and two rebounds. Dennis Schroder had 21 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Nic Claxton recorded a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds while adding three blocks. Mikal Bridges finished with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals. Trendon Watford had 12 points off the bench. The Nets shot 48 percent from the field and 30.3 percent from three-point range.
Jordan Poole recorded 38 points to lead the Wizards, and he also chipped in with eight assists and seven rebounds. Kyle Kuzma had 24 points, 10 assists and six rebounds. Deni Avdija delivered 17 points and 12 rebounds. Corey Kispert had 15 points. Marvin Bagley III recorded 18 points off the bench. The Wizards shot 50.5 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from three-point range.
Hornets Storm Back To Defeat Cavaliers
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 118-111, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
The Hornets (18-54) pulled a huge upset to defeat the Cavaliers (44-29) at home despite looking lost and sluggish in the first quarter. Cleveland jumped to a 43-33 lead in the first quarter, but the Hornets reacted just before halftime. The Hornets reduced the deficit to just one point after a 36-27 score in the second quarter, and Charlotte would complete the comeback after a 31-26 score in the third quarter. The Cavaliers fought back and tried to come from behind, but the Hornets didn’t allow them to. Charlotte closed things out by winning the fourth quarter by an 18-15 score. With the win, the Hornets moved to 10-24 at home, while the Cavaliers fell to 21-15 on the road.
Brandon Miller led the way for the Hornets with 31 points and six rebounds. Miles Bridges had 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Nick Richards had an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double. Tre Mann finished with 17 points and eight assists. Vasilije Micic ended with 11 points and 12 assists. Grant Williams had 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Charlotte shot 57.9 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from three-point range.
Jarrett Allen was the leading scorer for the Cavaliers with 24 points and eight rebounds. Max Strus recorded 19 points and four rebounds. Darius Garland finished with 14 points and 12 assists. Evan Mobley posted 10 points, six rebounds and six assists. Sam Merrill delivered 17 points coming off the bench. The Cavaliers shot 49.4 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from deep.
The Hornets (18-54) pulled a huge upset to defeat the Cavaliers (44-29) at home despite looking lost and sluggish in the first quarter. Cleveland jumped to a 43-33 lead in the first quarter, but the Hornets reacted just before halftime. The Hornets reduced the deficit to just one point after a 36-27 score in the second quarter, and Charlotte would complete the comeback after a 31-26 score in the third quarter. The Cavaliers fought back and tried to come from behind, but the Hornets didn’t allow them to. Charlotte closed things out by winning the fourth quarter by an 18-15 score. With the win, the Hornets moved to 10-24 at home, while the Cavaliers fell to 21-15 on the road.
Brandon Miller led the way for the Hornets with 31 points and six rebounds. Miles Bridges had 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Nick Richards had an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double. Tre Mann finished with 17 points and eight assists. Vasilije Micic ended with 11 points and 12 assists. Grant Williams had 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Charlotte shot 57.9 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from three-point range.
Jarrett Allen was the leading scorer for the Cavaliers with 24 points and eight rebounds. Max Strus recorded 19 points and four rebounds. Darius Garland finished with 14 points and 12 assists. Evan Mobley posted 10 points, six rebounds and six assists. Sam Merrill delivered 17 points coming off the bench. The Cavaliers shot 49.4 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from deep.
Hawks Get Past Trail Blazers, 120-106
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 120-106, at State Farm Arena on Wednesday night.
The Trail Blazers (19-54) surprisingly came out of the gate clicking offensively despite the ongoing absences of Anfernee Simons (knee) and Deandre Ayton (elbow) and Jerami Grant (hamstring), building a 29-26 lead through one. However, that seemed to wake up the Hawks (33-39), which roared back to outscore Portland by a 74-57 margin in the middle periods before matching the visitors point for point to close out the game.
Dalano Banton led the Trail Blazers with 31 points, supplementing them with nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. Toumani Camara furnished 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Scoot Henderson delivered 15 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals. Duop Reath managed 13 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Ashton Hagans supplied 10 points, three assists and two rebounds.
Dejounte Murray paced the Hawks with 30 points, complementing them with seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Garrison Mathews recorded 21 points, two rebounds and one assist. Bogdan Bogdanovic went for 16 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Clint Capela and De'Andre Hunter generated matching 13-point, one-assist contributions while pulling down 10 and five rebounds, respectively. Capela added four steals and three blocks.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Hawks visit the Boston Celtics on Thursday night.
The Trail Blazers (19-54) surprisingly came out of the gate clicking offensively despite the ongoing absences of Anfernee Simons (knee) and Deandre Ayton (elbow) and Jerami Grant (hamstring), building a 29-26 lead through one. However, that seemed to wake up the Hawks (33-39), which roared back to outscore Portland by a 74-57 margin in the middle periods before matching the visitors point for point to close out the game.
Dalano Banton led the Trail Blazers with 31 points, supplementing them with nine assists, five rebounds and two steals. Toumani Camara furnished 17 points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal. Scoot Henderson delivered 15 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals. Duop Reath managed 13 points, five rebounds, five assists and one steal. Ashton Hagans supplied 10 points, three assists and two rebounds.
Dejounte Murray paced the Hawks with 30 points, complementing them with seven assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks. Garrison Mathews recorded 21 points, two rebounds and one assist. Bogdan Bogdanovic went for 16 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Clint Capela and De'Andre Hunter generated matching 13-point, one-assist contributions while pulling down 10 and five rebounds, respectively. Capela added four steals and three blocks.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and visit the Miami Heat on Friday night, while the Hawks visit the Boston Celtics on Thursday night.
Clippers Edge 76ers, 108-107
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 108-107, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday night.
The 76ers (39-34) opened the game dominating on both ends of the floor, as they boasted a 30-18 lead after one quarter. The Clippers (45-27) did manage to turn the tables to considerable degree in the second quarter, whittling their deficit to four points by halftime. Both teams matched each other point for point in the third, and Los Angeles ultimately was able to pull ahead late with a Kawhi Leonard three-point play at the 15.1-second mark, and his subsequent block of Kelly Oubre's two-foot driving layup attempt with five seconds remaining prevented Philadelphia from pulling ahead again.
Paul George led the Clippers with a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists, one steal and one block. Leonard turned in 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. James Harden generated a 16-point, 14-assist double-double that included five rebounds, two steals and one block. Terance Mann posted 14 points and seven rebounds. Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell went for 11 points and one steal apiece while hauling in four and three rebounds, respectively.
Tyrese Maxey paced the 76ers with 26 points, supplementing them with eight assists, seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Oubre and Buddy Hield generated matching 17-point efforts while collecting 11 and three rebounds, respectively. Tobias Harris managed 14 points, seven boards, two assists and two blocks. Mo Bamba contributed a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two blocks.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Friday night, while the 76ers visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.
The 76ers (39-34) opened the game dominating on both ends of the floor, as they boasted a 30-18 lead after one quarter. The Clippers (45-27) did manage to turn the tables to considerable degree in the second quarter, whittling their deficit to four points by halftime. Both teams matched each other point for point in the third, and Los Angeles ultimately was able to pull ahead late with a Kawhi Leonard three-point play at the 15.1-second mark, and his subsequent block of Kelly Oubre's two-foot driving layup attempt with five seconds remaining prevented Philadelphia from pulling ahead again.
Paul George led the Clippers with a 22-point, 10-rebound double-double that included four assists, one steal and one block. Leonard turned in 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks. James Harden generated a 16-point, 14-assist double-double that included five rebounds, two steals and one block. Terance Mann posted 14 points and seven rebounds. Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell went for 11 points and one steal apiece while hauling in four and three rebounds, respectively.
Tyrese Maxey paced the 76ers with 26 points, supplementing them with eight assists, seven rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Oubre and Buddy Hield generated matching 17-point efforts while collecting 11 and three rebounds, respectively. Tobias Harris managed 14 points, seven boards, two assists and two blocks. Mo Bamba contributed a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two blocks.
The Clippers remain on the road and visit the Orlando Magic on Friday night, while the 76ers visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.
Knicks Throttle Raptors, 145-101
The New York Knicks defeated the Toronto Raptors, 145-101, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The type of offensive night it would be for the Knicks (44-28) became apparent early, when New York scored a whopping 45 points in the opening period to build an early 12-point lead. The visitors tacked on another 35 during the second to take a 21-point advantage into halftime, and when they grew their edge to 31 during the third, the game was all but decided.
Miles McBride led the Knicks with 29 points, complementing them with seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jalen Brunson furnished 26 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Precious Achiuwa generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Bojan Bogdanovic tallied 18 points, two assists and one rebound. Donte DiVincenzo totaled 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Isaiah Hartenstein provided 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
Gradey Dick paced the Raptors with 23 points. Gary Trent Jr. supplied 18 points, six assists and two rebounds. Garrett Temple registered 15 points, six boards, two assists and two steals. Javon Freeman-Liberty turned in 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Kelly Olynyk went for 13 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.
The Knicks remain on the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening.
The type of offensive night it would be for the Knicks (44-28) became apparent early, when New York scored a whopping 45 points in the opening period to build an early 12-point lead. The visitors tacked on another 35 during the second to take a 21-point advantage into halftime, and when they grew their edge to 31 during the third, the game was all but decided.
Miles McBride led the Knicks with 29 points, complementing them with seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Jalen Brunson furnished 26 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Precious Achiuwa generated a 19-point, 12-rebound double-double that included three assists, two blocks and one steal. Bojan Bogdanovic tallied 18 points, two assists and one rebound. Donte DiVincenzo totaled 16 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks. Isaiah Hartenstein provided 15 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block.
Gradey Dick paced the Raptors with 23 points. Gary Trent Jr. supplied 18 points, six assists and two rebounds. Garrett Temple registered 15 points, six boards, two assists and two steals. Javon Freeman-Liberty turned in 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Kelly Olynyk went for 13 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.
The Knicks remain on the road and visit the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, while the Raptors remain home and host the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening.
Bulls Rally Past Pacers
By Dan Bruno
The Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting Indiana Pacers, 125-99, at United Center on Wednesday evening.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Bulls held a four-point lead after one quarter. The hosts turned up their play in the second, where they outscored the Pacers, 37-20, to claim a 21-point lead by halftime. The visitors brought a better effort in the third and managed to trim it back to a 13-point game entering the final quarter. The Bulls reclaimed the momentum and dominated the fourth quarter to close out the home win, ending a three-game slide.
DeMar DeRozan led the bulls with 27 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 22 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, while Coby White tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Tyrese Haliburton totaled 13 points, four rebounds and five assists.
The Pacers (41-33) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Friday. The Bulls (35-38) clash with the Nets in Brooklyn on Friday.
The game got out to a competitive start as the Bulls held a four-point lead after one quarter. The hosts turned up their play in the second, where they outscored the Pacers, 37-20, to claim a 21-point lead by halftime. The visitors brought a better effort in the third and managed to trim it back to a 13-point game entering the final quarter. The Bulls reclaimed the momentum and dominated the fourth quarter to close out the home win, ending a three-game slide.
DeMar DeRozan led the bulls with 27 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 38 minutes. Nikola Vucevic followed up with 22 points, 12 rebounds and two assists, while Coby White tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal.
Meanwhile, Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, in 34 minutes. Pascal Siakam followed up with 14 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Tyrese Haliburton totaled 13 points, four rebounds and five assists.
The Pacers (41-33) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Lakers on Friday. The Bulls (35-38) clash with the Nets in Brooklyn on Friday.
Timberwolves Cruise Past Pistons
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the visiting Detroit Pistons, 106-91, at Target Center on Wednesday evening.
The Timberwolves got out to a strong start and held a five-point lead heading into the second quarter. The Pistons kept it close through the second and cut it down to a two-point game by halftime. The hosts reclaimed the momentum in the third, where they outscored the Pistons by 10 points to take a, 78-66, lead into the final frame. The Timberwolves maintained a solid cushion the rest of the way and closed out their third straight win. This also marked the eighth straight loss for the Pistons.
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 21 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, in 31 minutes. Jaden McDaniels followed up with 20 points and four rebounds, while Kyle Anderson pitched in 14 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 32 points on 11-for-23 shooting, in 29 minutes of action. Jalen Duren totaled 11 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while James Wiseman logged 11 points and four rebounds, off the bench.
The Pistons (12-61) will look to end the slide as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Friday. The Timberwolves (50-22) clash with the Nuggets in Denver on Friday.
The Timberwolves got out to a strong start and held a five-point lead heading into the second quarter. The Pistons kept it close through the second and cut it down to a two-point game by halftime. The hosts reclaimed the momentum in the third, where they outscored the Pistons by 10 points to take a, 78-66, lead into the final frame. The Timberwolves maintained a solid cushion the rest of the way and closed out their third straight win. This also marked the eighth straight loss for the Pistons.
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves with 21 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, in 31 minutes. Jaden McDaniels followed up with 20 points and four rebounds, while Kyle Anderson pitched in 14 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 32 points on 11-for-23 shooting, in 29 minutes of action. Jalen Duren totaled 11 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while James Wiseman logged 11 points and four rebounds, off the bench.
The Pistons (12-61) will look to end the slide as they take on the Wizards in Washington on Friday. The Timberwolves (50-22) clash with the Nuggets in Denver on Friday.
Rockets Stun Thunder In OT
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the host Oklahoma City Thunder, 132-126, at Paycom Center on Wednesday evening.
The Rockets jumped out to a strong start against the Thunder, who were without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) and held a, 28-17, lead after one quarter. The Thunder brought a better effort in the second and managed to claim a one-point lead by halftime. Both sides brought the fight in the third, where the visitors were able to reclaim a five-point edge heading into the final quarter. The hosts did not back down and got a clutch three-pointer from Jalen Williams to tie the score at 102, in the final seconds, forcing overtime. Both sides came out on fire in the extra period, but the Rockets pulled ahead to close out their 10th straight win.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 37 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block, in 46 minutes. Amen Thompson followed up with 25 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Dillon Brooks totaled 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Josh Giddy led the Thunder with 31 points, seven rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 32 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block, while Isaiah Joe added 17 points, three rebounds and six assists, off the bench.
The Thunder (50-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Friday. The Rockets (37-35) take on the Jazz in Utah on Friday.
The Rockets jumped out to a strong start against the Thunder, who were without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (quadriceps) and held a, 28-17, lead after one quarter. The Thunder brought a better effort in the second and managed to claim a one-point lead by halftime. Both sides brought the fight in the third, where the visitors were able to reclaim a five-point edge heading into the final quarter. The hosts did not back down and got a clutch three-pointer from Jalen Williams to tie the score at 102, in the final seconds, forcing overtime. Both sides came out on fire in the extra period, but the Rockets pulled ahead to close out their 10th straight win.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 37 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, two steals and a block, in 46 minutes. Amen Thompson followed up with 25 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Dillon Brooks totaled 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Josh Giddy led the Thunder with 31 points, seven rebounds, four assists, a steal and a block, in 32 minutes. Jalen Williams followed up with 23 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and a block, while Isaiah Joe added 17 points, three rebounds and six assists, off the bench.
The Thunder (50-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Suns on Friday. The Rockets (37-35) take on the Jazz in Utah on Friday.
Lakers Defeat Grizzlies. 136-124
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the host Memphis Grizzlies. 136-124, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday.
Los Angeles led for all but a few minutes in this game, winning all four individual quarters. They actually got their lead up to 27 points in the third quarter, leading by at least seven points for the entirety of the second half. The Lakers shot 56 percent from the field and 55 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from long range. LA also outscored Memphis in fastbreak points, 25-15.
The Lakers (41-32) were led by Rui Hachmiura, finishing with 32 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks on 11-of-14 shooting. LeBron James tallied 23 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. D'Angelo Russell amassed 23 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Austin Reaves totaled 13 points, two rebounds and 11 assists. Taurean Prince had 15 points to lead the bench.
The Grizzlies (24-49) were led by Desmond Bane, collecting 26 points, four rebounds and 16 assists. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Scotty Pippen Jr provided 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Jake LaRavia led the bench with 25 points, six rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Indiana Pacers on Friday. As for Memphis, they return to action on Saturday in a road meeting with the Orlando Magic.
Los Angeles led for all but a few minutes in this game, winning all four individual quarters. They actually got their lead up to 27 points in the third quarter, leading by at least seven points for the entirety of the second half. The Lakers shot 56 percent from the field and 55 percent from three-point range while holding the Grizzlies to 47 percent from the field and 40 percent from long range. LA also outscored Memphis in fastbreak points, 25-15.
The Lakers (41-32) were led by Rui Hachmiura, finishing with 32 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks on 11-of-14 shooting. LeBron James tallied 23 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists. D'Angelo Russell amassed 23 points, two rebounds and four assists, while Austin Reaves totaled 13 points, two rebounds and 11 assists. Taurean Prince had 15 points to lead the bench.
The Grizzlies (24-49) were led by Desmond Bane, collecting 26 points, four rebounds and 16 assists. Jaren Jackson Jr generated 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals. Scotty Pippen Jr provided 11 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Jake LaRavia led the bench with 25 points, six rebounds and four assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Indiana Pacers on Friday. As for Memphis, they return to action on Saturday in a road meeting with the Orlando Magic.
Spurs Defeat Jazz, 118-111
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the host Utah Jazz, 118-111, at Vivint Arena on Wednesday.
San Antonio held the lead for all but 23 seconds in this game, thanks to a 29-15 first quarter. They got their lead up to 19 points at times, with Utah never attempting a game-tying shot after the opening five minutes. The Spurs shot 51 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 47 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. San Antonio out-assisted Utah, 40-25. They also outscored Utah in fastbreak points, 23-13.
The Spurs (17-56) were led by Devin Vassell, finishing with 31 points, four rebounds and six assists. Victor Wembanyama had 19 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five blocks. Jeremy Sochan amassed 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and five steals. Justin Champagnie and Malaki Branham had 17 points apiece.
The Jazz (29-44) were led by Collin Sexton, collecting 26 points, two rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Lauri Markkanen had 25 points, six rebounds and two assists. John Collins compiled 18 points, five rebounds and two steals, while Keyonte George generated 14 points and eight assists. Trey Hendricks rounded out the starting lineup with eight points, eight rebounds and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Utah remaining home to play the Houston Rockets and San Antonio returning home to face the New York Knicks.
San Antonio held the lead for all but 23 seconds in this game, thanks to a 29-15 first quarter. They got their lead up to 19 points at times, with Utah never attempting a game-tying shot after the opening five minutes. The Spurs shot 51 percent from the field and 49 percent from three-point range while holding the Jazz to 47 percent from the field and 37 percent from long range. San Antonio out-assisted Utah, 40-25. They also outscored Utah in fastbreak points, 23-13.
The Spurs (17-56) were led by Devin Vassell, finishing with 31 points, four rebounds and six assists. Victor Wembanyama had 19 points, eight rebounds, six assists and five blocks. Jeremy Sochan amassed 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists and five steals. Justin Champagnie and Malaki Branham had 17 points apiece.
The Jazz (29-44) were led by Collin Sexton, collecting 26 points, two rebounds, nine assists and two steals. Lauri Markkanen had 25 points, six rebounds and two assists. John Collins compiled 18 points, five rebounds and two steals, while Keyonte George generated 14 points and eight assists. Trey Hendricks rounded out the starting lineup with eight points, eight rebounds and two steals.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Utah remaining home to play the Houston Rockets and San Antonio returning home to face the New York Knicks.
Suns Defeat Nuggets, 104-97
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 104-97, at Ball Arena on Wednesday.
Phoenix held the lead for all but a few seconds in this game, getting their lead up to 15 points at times in the second half. They led by at least seven points for the closing 18 minutes, despite there being seven ties in the first half. The Suns shot 47 percent from the field and 49 percent from long range while holding the Nuggets to 43 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range. They also out-rebounded Denver, 55-41, while out-assisting them, 29-24.
The Suns (43-30) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 30 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and five blocks. Devin Booker had 17 points, five rebounds and nine assists. Grayson Allen amassed 13 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Bradley Beal accrued 10 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Eric Gordon led the bench with 10 points.
The Nuggets (51-22) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 22 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Michael Porter Jr provided 18 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Aaron Gordon generated 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled 13 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals.
On deck for Denver is a home matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. As for Phoenix, they stay on the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday as well.
Phoenix held the lead for all but a few seconds in this game, getting their lead up to 15 points at times in the second half. They led by at least seven points for the closing 18 minutes, despite there being seven ties in the first half. The Suns shot 47 percent from the field and 49 percent from long range while holding the Nuggets to 43 percent from the field and 25 percent from long range. They also out-rebounded Denver, 55-41, while out-assisting them, 29-24.
The Suns (43-30) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 30 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and five blocks. Devin Booker had 17 points, five rebounds and nine assists. Grayson Allen amassed 13 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Bradley Beal accrued 10 points, four rebounds and seven assists. Eric Gordon led the bench with 10 points.
The Nuggets (51-22) were led by Nikola Jokic, finishing with 22 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists and two steals. Michael Porter Jr provided 18 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Aaron Gordon generated 16 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope compiled 13 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals.
On deck for Denver is a home matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. As for Phoenix, they stay on the road to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday as well.