Daily Zap 26-11-14

Atlanta Hawks (7-5) @ Washington Wizards (9-4)

Paul Pierce passed Jerry West for 17^th on the all time scoring list last night, but it wasn’t enough to prevent his Washington Wizards from falling to the Atlanta Hawks. There were 14 lead changes throughout this game but a 12-0 run by Atlanta in the fourth helped them beat their Eastern Conference rivals.

Hawks 107 - 102 Wizards

Key Performers

Paul Millsap - 17 points, 11 rebounds

Mike Scott - 17 points, 8 rebounds

John Wall - 21 points, 13 assists, 7 rebounds

Marcin Gortat - 12 points, 11 rebounds

Golden State Warriors (11-2) @ Miami Heat (8-7)

The Warriors are looking more like contenders for the title this year with every game they play, and a comfortable win over last year’s finalists can only help their confidence. The Warriors played well, but they wouldn’t have won this game without Stephen Curry who had possibly his best performance of the season. He shot 12-19 from the field, 8-11 from deep and 8-9 from the charity stripe on his way to 40 points, his highest points total this year.

Warriors 114 - 97 Heat

Key Performers

Stephen Curry - 40 points, 7 assists

Klay Thompson - 24 points

Chris Bosh - 26 points, 9 rebounds

Luol Deng - 16 points

Sacramento Kings (9-5) @ New Orleans Pelicans (7-6)

There was a battle between two rising stars in the NBA, as DeMarcus Cousins and the Sacramento Kings took on Anthony Davis and New Orleans Pelicans. Cousins was the winner of this match-up as not only did his team win, but he put up the best stats of anyone on the court. The Kings lost the lead just once, and even when head coach Mike Malone was ejected, the Pelicans still struggled to find a way into the game.

Kings 99 - 89 Pelicans

Key Performers

DeMarcus Cousins - 22 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists

Ramon Sessions - 15 points, 6 assists

Tyreke Evans - 22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists

Ryan Anderson - 20 points, 5 rebounds

Detroit Pistons (3-11) @ Milwaukee Bucks (8-7)

The Pistons picked up their fifth straight loss, and also had their worst offensive performance of the season. They may have shot a good 46% from the field, but were hampered by Josh Smith’s free throw attempts, who made just 2-10 in the game. They were in contention for most of the contest but lacked a clinical edge as they were dominated in the third quarter.

Pistons 86 - 98 Bucks

Key Performers

Josh Smith - 11 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 blocks

Andre Drummond - 23 points, 10 rebounds

Brandon Knight - 20 points, 8 assists

Eryan Ilyasova - 13 points, 9 rebounds

Chicago Bulls (9-6) @ Denver Nuggets (7-7)

The Chicago Bulls didn’t just lose the game in the Mile High City as Derrick Rose hobbled off the court (with a suspected hamstring injury) after under ten minutes of play. This departure - paired with big men Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson already being out - proved too much for Chicago as they never led in this contest. They looked like they could be in with a chance with ten seconds left as they trailed by just three, but Ty Lawson’s step back  jumper sealed the victory. Denver’s fifth straight win means they are at .500 for the first time this season.

Bulls 109 - 114 Nuggets

Key Performers

Pau Gasol - 22 points, 11 rebounds

Jimmy Butler - 32 points, 9 rebounds

Ty Lawson - 20 points, 12 assists

Kenneth Faried - 12 points, 9 rebounds

Daily Zap 22-11-14

Orlando Magic (6-8) @ Charlotte Hornets (4-9)

The Charlotte Hornets are currently struggling after falling to their fourth straight defeat in the league. They should have won this one as well; holding a 23 point lead going into the final quarter. However, the Magic used a four guard line-up to great effect, wiping out this deficit nine minutes later, and then going into a lead of their own.

Magic 105 -100 Hornets

Key Performers

Tobias Harris - 17 points, 16 rebounds, 2 blocks

Nikola Vucevic - 14 points, 10 rebounds

Al Jefferson - 24 points, 11 rebounds

Kemba Walker - 15 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists

Phoenix Suns (8-5) @ Philadelphia 76ers (0-12)

The worst team in the league kept their record up as they fell at home to the Phoenix Suns. The 76ers were dominated all game, with a 41-17 second quarter meaning they could never get near the lead. If Philadelphia keep going like this, the Kentucky Wildcats may be looking for a match…

Suns 122 - 96 76ers

Key Performers

Eric Bledsoe - 13 points, 7 assists

Isaiah Thomas - 23 points, 8 assists

Michael Carter-Williams - 18 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists

Alexy Shved - 15 points, 5 assists

Detroit Pistons (3-10) @ Atlanta Hawks (6-5)

The Detroit Pistons are another team who are on a four game losing streak after leading just once in this game. Atlanta’s Jeff Teague led by example on both ends of the court, even managing two blocks, despite being just 6’2”. The Pistons shot poorly as usual, scoring just four three-pointer attempts from 21 attempts.

Pistons 89 - 99 Hawks

Key Performances

Andre Drummond - 13 points, 16 rebounds

Josh Smith - 16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists

Paul Millsap - 15 points, 12 rebounds

Jeff Teague - 28 points, 6 assists, 2 blocks

 

Milwaukee Bucks (7-6) @ Toronto Raptors (10-2)

The best team in the East continued their dominance as last night, with another blow out. They were better than the Bucks in every way, leading by 52 at one point, while the Bucks biggest lead was one. The Raptors scored 15-25 from deep in this game, an impressive percentage led by Lou Williams’ efforts.

Bucks 83 - 124 Raptors

Key Performers

Jabari Parker - 15 points, 6 rebounds

Kyle Lowry - 20 points, 9 rebounds

Lou Williams - 22 points, 5-7 shooting from three-pointers

Jonas Valanciunas - 18 points, 12 rebounds

Boston Celtics (4-7) @ Memphis Grizzlies (11-2)

The league’s best record was improved once again by a Memphis Grizzlies side who defeated the Boston Celtics at home. Boston never led the game and only the tied the score once; three minutes into the first quarter. The Grizzlies are now 7-0 at home this season.

Celtics 100 - 117 Grizzlies

Key Performers

Jared Sullinger - 13 points, 3 blocks

Kelly Olynyk - 18 points, 6 rebounds

Zach Randolph - 16 points, 16 rebounds

Marc Gasol - 32 points, 8 rebounds

San Antonio Spurs (8-4) @ Minnesota Timberwolves (3-8)

The old boys blew out the new pretenders in Minnesota, to win their third game in a row. The Spurs’ rotation worked brilliantly, with bench players like Aron Baynes and Jeff Ayres contributing to this win as well. The Spurs got past 20 turnovers by shooting well; 55% from the field and 62% from deep. 

Spurs 121 - 92 Timberwolves

Key Performers

Austin Daye - 13 points, 11 rebounds

Tony Parker - 28 points, 3-3 from three-pointers

Gorgui Dieng - 9 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks

Anthony Bennett - 20 points

Brooklyn Nets (5-7) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (3-11)

The Thunder’s woes deepened last night, as their depleted squad lost again. They were trailing by two points with 4.9 seconds left, and had a chance to win the game when Reggie Jackson shot a buzzer beater three-pointer.  Unfortunately his shot was off meaning the Thunder have now lost five in a row.

Nets 94 - 92 Thunder

Key Performers

Brook Lopez - 16 points, 10 rebounds

Jarrett Jack - 23 points, 5 assists

Serge Ibaka - 16 points, 10 rebounds

Reggie Jackson - 21 points, 8 assists

Cleveland Cavaliers (5-6) @ Washington Wizards (8-3)

Things are still rocky in Cleveland, as they fell to Eastern Conference rivals the Wizards. Even Head Coach David Blatt and star player Lebron James admitted the team was bad, as they turned the ball over 19 times in the game.

Cavaliers 78 - 91 Wizards

Key Performers

Kyrie Irving - 22 points, 6 rebounds

LeBron James - 22 points

John Wall - 28 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds

Nene - 10 points, 7 rebounds

Los Angeles Lakers (3-10) @ Dallas Mavericks (10-3)

The worst defence in the league were up to their old tricks again last night, as they shipped 140 points to the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs took full advantage of this, as they played all of their available players, with none of them playing for more than 30 minutes. Eight Dallas players ended with double figures in scoring.

Lakers 106 - 140 Mavericks

Key Performers

Kobe Bryant - 17 points, 7 assists

Jordan Hill - 16 points, 10 rebounds

Monta Ellis - 20 points, 10 assists

Dirk Nowitzki - 23 points

New Orleans Pelicans (6-5) @ Denver Nuggets (5-7)

Anthony Davis couldn’t lift his team to another win as Denver won their fifth game in their past six attempts. Six players scored double digits for each side, but Denver’s field goal percentage (52%) was superior to New Orleans’ (40%).

Pelicans 97 - 117 Nuggets

Key Performers

Anthony Davis - 18 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks

Alexis Ajinca - 12 points, 8 rebounds

Kenneth Faried - 19 points

Ty Lawson - 11 points, 9 assists

Utah Jazz (5-8) @ Golden State Warriors (9-2)

Utah never led in this game against the Warriors, who had a four day rest before this game. This break evidently worked in Golden State’s favour, as their players looked fresh and raring to go, winning the first quarter by 15 points. After that there was no real competition as Golden State continued their dominance of the Pacific division.

Jazz 88 - 101 Warriors

Key Performers

Enes Kanter - 18 points

Derrick Favors - 10 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks

Harrison Barnes - 14 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks

Andre Igoudala - 17 points

Chicago Bulls (8-5) @ Portland Trail Blazers (9-3)

The Bulls were under-staffed in this game, missing Pau Gasol, Kirk Hinrich and Derrick Rose. It proved to be costly as their offence looked poor - aside from Nikola Mirotic’s efforts. Portland on the other hand were impressive from the floor as their starting five shot 63%.

Bulls 87 - 105 Trail Blazers

Key Performers

Nikola Mirotic - 24 points, 11 rebounds

Aaron Brooks - 12 points

Damian Lillard - 21 points, 9 assists

LaMarcus Aldridge - 16 points, 9 rebounds

Daily Zap 17-11-14

Denver Nuggets (2-7) @ New York Knicks (3-8)

The New York Knicks ended a seven game losing streak thanks to a win over fellow strugglers, the Denver Nuggets. The win was mainly due to Denver scoring just one basket from 16 attempts in the second quarter, while the Knicks scored 31 points. Even when Denver outscored their opponents in the next quarter, the Knicks didn’t worry, still possessing a 20 point lead. It looked like Denver could mount a comeback when they reduced the lead to 12, but Carmelo Anthony helped pull his team through for the win.

Knicks 93 - 109 Nuggets

KEY PERFORMERS

Ty Lawson - 17 points, 9 assists

Kenneth Faried - 16 points, 9 rebounds

Carmelo Anthony - 28 points, 9 rebounds

J.R. Smith - 28 points

Milwaukee Bucks (5-5) @ Miami Heat (5-5)

The Miami Heat fell to their third straight loss, this time losing at home to the Milwaukee Bucks. They may have won the first half 46-38, but the main damage was done in the third quarter. The Bucks outscored the Heat in the third by 26-13, being a great force on the inside. Miami reduced to the lead to three in the final quarter, but the game was over when Brandon Knight nailed two three-pointers in the space of a couple of minutes. Dwyane Wade was sorely missed by Miami, with Chris Bosh (2-17) and Luol Deng (3-11) struggling from the field.

Bucks 91 - 84 Heat

KEY PERFORMERS

Giannis Antetokounmpo - 11 points, 7 rebounds

Brandon Knight - 20 points, 5 rebounds

Shawne Williams - 13 points, 11 rebounds

Mario Chalmers - 18 points

Houston Rockets (9-1) @ Oklahoma City Thunder (3-8)

In one of the ugliest games in recent years, the Houston Rockets managed to grind out a victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder. If you wondering why the score was so low, it wasn’t due to terrific defence, both teams shot the ball poorly; Houston shooting 28.7% and the Thunder weren’t much better at 29.4%. The Rockets dominance in the paint - they outscored the Thunder 14-0 in the first quarter - was key to gaining an early advantage. But the Thunder rallied to even up the scores, being helped by Houston scoring just nine points in the third. However, it was the Rockets who led late on, 68-65 with one possession left. Reggie Jackson shot an unnecessarily deep three pointer which missed the targets, which maintained the Rockets unbeaten road run.

Rockets 69 - 65 Thunder

KEY PERFORMERS

Patrick Beverley - 12 points, 8 rebounds

James Harden - 19 points, 9 rebounds

Reggie Jackson - 15 points, 11 rebounds

Serge Ibaka - 10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 blocks

Golden State Warriors (8-2) @ Los Angeles Lakers (1-9)

The Lakers defence has been appalling so far this year, but even their biggest critics didn’t expect the Warriors to score 74 points against them in the first half alone. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were the main threats for Golden State, scoring the ball with the ease that we’ve seen many times before. The lead extended to as much as 38 points in the third, meaning they could relax a little in the final quarter, and still comfortably pick up the win. Kobe shot 34 shots from the field which implies that he has been given free rein  by Byron Scott to shoot when and where he wants.

Warriors 136 - 115 Lakers

KEY PERFORMERS

Stephen Curry - 30 points, 15 assists

Andrew Bogut - 15 points, 10 rebounds

Kobe Bryant - 44 points

Jordan Hill - 15 points, 11 rebounds

Daily Zap 11-11-14

New Orleans Pelicans (3-3) @ Cleveland Cavaliers (3-3)

Anthony Davis may be having his best season ever, but even he was shown up by LeBron James’ performance in this game. The four time MVP recorded a triple double and combined with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love for 86 points. Ryan Anderson helped give the Pelicans the lead in the first half, but even he couldn’t prevent Irving and James dominating the third - including an 11-0 run by the Cavs. The Pellies came back in the final quarter, closing the lead to three at one point, but they weren’t strong enough to hold off another Cavaliers surge with a few minutes remaining. 

Pelicans 111 - 118 Cavaliers

KEY PERFORMERS

Anthony Davis - 27 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks, 4 steals

Ryan Anderson - 32 points, 5 rebounds

LeBron James -32 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists

Kyrie Irving - 32 points, 9 assists

Utah Jazz (3-5) @ Indiana Pacers (2-6)

Roy Hibbert scored his highest points total since the 2012-13 post-season to help give the Pacers their first win after six straight defeats. The teams were close all the way through, Hibbert and Gordon Hayward leading their respective sides. But the Pacers managed to restrain Hayward in the final quarter, while Hibbert was give free rein on offense, meaning the Pacers outscored the Jazz 25-17 in the final quarter. Before the game there was good news for Pacers fans, as Paul George took to the floor to shoot with the team.

Jazz 86 - 97 Pacers

KEY PERFORMERS

Gordon Hayward - 30 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists

Derrick Favors - 12 points, 8 rebounds

Lavoy Allen - 12 points, 15 rebounds

Roy Hibbert - 29 points

Atlanta Hawks (3-3) @ New York Knicks (2-6)

After a promising 2-1 start to the season, the Knicks have lost their past five games. They were tied at the half with the Hawks in this contest - even though the Hawks only shot 32% from the field in this time. The Hawks opened up a slight lead in the third thanks to an 8-0 run. Carmelo Anthony tried to keep his side alive in the fourth, he even managed to cut the lead down to one, but it was too little, too late as the Knicks sunk to another defeat.

Hawks 91 - 85 Knicks

KEY PERFORMERS

DeMarre Carroll - 9 points, 10 rebounds

Kyle Korver - 17 points, 8 rebounds

Carmelo Anthony - 25 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists

Iman Shumpert - 18 points, 5 assists

Detroit Pistons (2-5) @ Chicago Bulls (6-2)

Derrick Rose made his return in this game, and was instrumental to the Bulls’ win. He set off well, getting eight points in the first quarter, and giving his team a 16 point lead going into the half. But the Pistons won the third quarter, and carried on fighting back in the fourth, reducing the lead to two late in the final quarter. However, Rose and Jimmy Butler were both on impressive scoring nights, and could close out another win.

Pistons 91 - 102 Bulls

KEY PERFORMERS

Josh Smith - 19 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks

Greg Monroe - 16 points, 10 rebounds

Brandon Jennings - 11 points, 8 assists

Pau Gasol - 17 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks

Joakim Noah - 13 points, 14 rebounds

Derrick Rose - 24 points, 7 assists

San Antonio Spurs (3-3) @ Los Angeles Clippers (4-3)

Come the end of the season this game could be pivotal, with both teams expected to compete for the Western Conference title. Both teams seemed to lack a clinical touch on offense, but the game was interesting nevertheless. The Clippers were up by eight in the fourth quarter, but didn’t make a field goal in the last five minutes of play. San Antonio on the other hand improved their shooting, and with 40 seconds left, Kawhi Leonard stole the ball from Chris Paul, and then provided an assist to Manu Ginobili. With one of their last possessions, Jamal Crawford was fouled on the three point line, and made all of his free throws to cut the deficit to just two. Ginobili was intentionally fouled, but the Argentinean couldn’t convert on any of his attempts, giving the ball to the Clippers with 10.1 seconds left. Chris Paul tried to make a lay-up and couldn’t convert, and Blake Griffin couldn’t get a shot off after his rebound.

 

Spurs 89 - 85 Clippers

KEY PERFORMERS

Kawhi Leonard - 26 points, 10 rebounds

Tim Duncan - 18 points, 11 rebounds

Chris Paul - 12 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists

Blake Griffin - 23 points, 10 rebounds, 6 blocks