Pacers End Losing Streak, Defeat Spurs
The Indiana Pacers defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 131-118, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Monday evening.
The Pacers (2-6) and the Spurs (2-5) have both looked disappointing to start the season, but Indiana used a strong start in this game and that was enough to come away with the victory in front of their fans. The Pacers jumped out to a 43-33 score in the first quarter and that'd set the tone for the rest of the contest, but they wouldn't stop there and bolstered their lead even further with a 35-23 score in the second quarter. The Pacers also won the third quarter by a slimmer margin (31-27), and that meant they had a 26-point advantage with only 12 minutes left on the score. Even though San Antonio attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter and won by a 35-22 score, they lacked time to complete the turnaround and ended settling for a loss, their fifth of the season. The Pacers, on the other hand, ended their four-game losing streak with what was their best outing of the campaign.
Six Indiana players scored in double digits and all five starters recorded at least 10 points, with Domantas Sabonis leading the way with a 24-point, 13-rebound performance. Myles Turner had 19 points and eight rebounds, but he also added three blocks and two steals. T.J. McConnell had 10 points and 10 assists, Chris Duarte notched 18 points and Caris LeVert added 16 points with seven dimes. Justin Holiday had 17 points off the bench.
Dejounte Murray was the best player for the Spurs with 16 points and six assists, while Derrick White notched 13 points and seven assists. Lonnie Walker IV had 10 points and four boards, while Keldon Johnson struggled badly on offense and ended with nine points (4-11 FG). Jakob Poeltl had 11 points, while Jock Landale and Keita Bates-Diop had 10 points.
The Pacers (2-6) and the Spurs (2-5) have both looked disappointing to start the season, but Indiana used a strong start in this game and that was enough to come away with the victory in front of their fans. The Pacers jumped out to a 43-33 score in the first quarter and that'd set the tone for the rest of the contest, but they wouldn't stop there and bolstered their lead even further with a 35-23 score in the second quarter. The Pacers also won the third quarter by a slimmer margin (31-27), and that meant they had a 26-point advantage with only 12 minutes left on the score. Even though San Antonio attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter and won by a 35-22 score, they lacked time to complete the turnaround and ended settling for a loss, their fifth of the season. The Pacers, on the other hand, ended their four-game losing streak with what was their best outing of the campaign.
Six Indiana players scored in double digits and all five starters recorded at least 10 points, with Domantas Sabonis leading the way with a 24-point, 13-rebound performance. Myles Turner had 19 points and eight rebounds, but he also added three blocks and two steals. T.J. McConnell had 10 points and 10 assists, Chris Duarte notched 18 points and Caris LeVert added 16 points with seven dimes. Justin Holiday had 17 points off the bench.
Dejounte Murray was the best player for the Spurs with 16 points and six assists, while Derrick White notched 13 points and seven assists. Lonnie Walker IV had 10 points and four boards, while Keldon Johnson struggled badly on offense and ended with nine points (4-11 FG). Jakob Poeltl had 11 points, while Jock Landale and Keita Bates-Diop had 10 points.
76ers Top Trail Blazers, 113-103
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 113-103, at Wells Fargo Center on Monday night.
The 76ers (4-2) came in as the more rested team and looked like it early, jumping out to a 27-21 lead over the Trail Blazers (3-4) through the first 12 minutes. However, Portland bounced back to eliminate all but one point from its deficit before halftime. Philadelphia's strong play on both ends of the floor in the second half was subsequently key to the win, as they outscored Portland by a 59-50 margin over the final two quarters. The hosts were outrebounded, 45-34, but they helped offset that disadvantage by shooting 51.8 percent and forcing 14 turnovers.
Norman Powell led the Trail Blazers with 22 points, adding one rebound. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum contributed 20 points apiece, with Lillard also recording 10 assists and seven rebounds and McCollum posting four boards, three assists and one steal. Anfernee Simons provided 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Seth Curry paced the 76ers with 23 points, complementing them with six boards and five assists. Georges Niang supplied 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and one block. Furkan Korkmaz registered 15 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Andre Drummond generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that also includes seven assists, five steals and one block. Danny Green and Tyrese Maxey offered 11 and 10 points, respectively, while posting three rebounds and three assists.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and pay a visit to the Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the 76ers host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night as well.
The 76ers (4-2) came in as the more rested team and looked like it early, jumping out to a 27-21 lead over the Trail Blazers (3-4) through the first 12 minutes. However, Portland bounced back to eliminate all but one point from its deficit before halftime. Philadelphia's strong play on both ends of the floor in the second half was subsequently key to the win, as they outscored Portland by a 59-50 margin over the final two quarters. The hosts were outrebounded, 45-34, but they helped offset that disadvantage by shooting 51.8 percent and forcing 14 turnovers.
Norman Powell led the Trail Blazers with 22 points, adding one rebound. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum contributed 20 points apiece, with Lillard also recording 10 assists and seven rebounds and McCollum posting four boards, three assists and one steal. Anfernee Simons provided 17 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Seth Curry paced the 76ers with 23 points, complementing them with six boards and five assists. Georges Niang supplied 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and one block. Furkan Korkmaz registered 15 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Andre Drummond generated a 14-point, 15-rebound double-double that also includes seven assists, five steals and one block. Danny Green and Tyrese Maxey offered 11 and 10 points, respectively, while posting three rebounds and three assists.
The Trail Blazers remain on the road and pay a visit to the Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the 76ers host the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night as well.
Cavs Hang On To End Two-Game Slide
By Dan Bruno
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the host Charlotte Hornets, 113-110, at Spectrum Center on Monday evening.
The Cavs got out to a great start on the road with a, 40-21, lead after one quarter. The Hornets picked up their play in the second and briefly cut it to an eight-point game, before the Cavs pushed it back to a 16-point advantage, by halftime. The Hornets came out stronger again in the third and trimmed the deficit to four, early in the quarter, but the Cavs rallied again to make it a 12-point game head into the final frame. The visitors stayed in control to start the fourth, but the Hornets mounted a, 26-12, run through the final seven minutes of the contest. However, it was too little, too late, as the Cavs were able to sneak away with the win, ending a two-game slide.
Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with 24 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals, while Collin Sexton added 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Cavs shot 43 percent from the field, including 9-of-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 30 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Terry Rozier followed up with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while P.J. Washington added 18 points, four rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Hornets shot 41 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from long range.
The Hornets (5-3) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Wednesday. The Cavs (4-4) play host to the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
The Cavs got out to a great start on the road with a, 40-21, lead after one quarter. The Hornets picked up their play in the second and briefly cut it to an eight-point game, before the Cavs pushed it back to a 16-point advantage, by halftime. The Hornets came out stronger again in the third and trimmed the deficit to four, early in the quarter, but the Cavs rallied again to make it a 12-point game head into the final frame. The visitors stayed in control to start the fourth, but the Hornets mounted a, 26-12, run through the final seven minutes of the contest. However, it was too little, too late, as the Cavs were able to sneak away with the win, ending a two-game slide.
Jarrett Allen led the Cavaliers with 24 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and a steal, in 35 minutes. Lauri Markkanen followed up with 21 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals, while Collin Sexton added 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. The Cavs shot 43 percent from the field, including 9-of-28 from deep.
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 30 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Terry Rozier followed up with 23 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while P.J. Washington added 18 points, four rebounds, two blocks and a steal. The Hornets shot 41 percent from the field, including 15-of-39 from long range.
The Hornets (5-3) will look to bounce back as they take on the Warriors in Golden State on Wednesday. The Cavs (4-4) play host to the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
Hawks End Skid With Home Win Over Wizards
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Washington Wizards, 118-111, at StateFarm Arena on Monday evening.
The Hawks (4-3) moved over the .500 mark with another convincing performance at home, extending their perfect start to the season when playing in front of their own fans and slowing down a red-hot Wizards (5-2) team that has looked surprisingly good in the first few weeks of the campaign. Atlanta jumped out to a 34-23 lead in the first quarter and that set the tone of the game quickly, but Washington wouldn't go down without a fight and responded with a 37-29 score in the second quarter, making it a three-point game by halftime. Atlanta won the third quarter by a 21-17 score, and while the Wizards always looked threatening, they couldn't mount a fourth-quarter comeback. The Hawks shot 45.8 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from three-point range, while the Wizards shot 47.7 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from deep.
Trae Young was the best player for Atlanta since he ended with 26 points and six assists, while Clint Capela chipped in with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. John Collins finished with 12 points, nine rebounds and six assists, and Bogdan Bogdanovic mustered 16 points, six boards and six dimes. Cam Reddish had another excellent game off the bench and contributed 15 points across 27 minutes while adding four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards in this loss, as he finished with 24 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie contributed 14 points and 10 assists. Kyle Kuzma ended with 18 points and six rebounds, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in with 11 points, four rebounds and two assists. Montrezl Harrell posted 13 points and eight rebounds coming off the bench.
The Hawks (4-3) moved over the .500 mark with another convincing performance at home, extending their perfect start to the season when playing in front of their own fans and slowing down a red-hot Wizards (5-2) team that has looked surprisingly good in the first few weeks of the campaign. Atlanta jumped out to a 34-23 lead in the first quarter and that set the tone of the game quickly, but Washington wouldn't go down without a fight and responded with a 37-29 score in the second quarter, making it a three-point game by halftime. Atlanta won the third quarter by a 21-17 score, and while the Wizards always looked threatening, they couldn't mount a fourth-quarter comeback. The Hawks shot 45.8 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from three-point range, while the Wizards shot 47.7 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from deep.
Trae Young was the best player for Atlanta since he ended with 26 points and six assists, while Clint Capela chipped in with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. John Collins finished with 12 points, nine rebounds and six assists, and Bogdan Bogdanovic mustered 16 points, six boards and six dimes. Cam Reddish had another excellent game off the bench and contributed 15 points across 27 minutes while adding four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards in this loss, as he finished with 24 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie contributed 14 points and 10 assists. Kyle Kuzma ended with 18 points and six rebounds, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in with 11 points, four rebounds and two assists. Montrezl Harrell posted 13 points and eight rebounds coming off the bench.
Bulls Best Celtics, 128-114
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Boston Celtics, 128-114, at TD Garden on Monday night.
The Bulls (6-1) got a rude early welcome from the host Celtics (2-5), which were red hot from the field during the first half on their way to building a 67-59 halftime advantage. Boston then kept its foot on the gas in the third to enter the final period with a 14-point edge, seemingly on its way to a comfortable home victory. That's when the entire dynamic of the game shifted dramatically, as the visitors opened the fourth quarter with a 10-0 run on its way to building an astounding 39-11 edge that sealed the road win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 37 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Zach LaVine supplied 26 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Ayo Dosunmu registered 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Lonzo Ball totaled 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic managed an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included nine assists and two blocks.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Al Horford generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Jayson Tatum managed 20 points as well, supplementing them with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Marcus Smart tallied 16 points, one rebound and four steals, while Dennis Schroder furnished 13 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The Bulls remain on the road and face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, while the Celtics hit the road to pay a visit to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night as well.
The Bulls (6-1) got a rude early welcome from the host Celtics (2-5), which were red hot from the field during the first half on their way to building a 67-59 halftime advantage. Boston then kept its foot on the gas in the third to enter the final period with a 14-point edge, seemingly on its way to a comfortable home victory. That's when the entire dynamic of the game shifted dramatically, as the visitors opened the fourth quarter with a 10-0 run on its way to building an astounding 39-11 edge that sealed the road win.
DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 37 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Zach LaVine supplied 26 points, seven assists, three rebounds and one steal. Ayo Dosunmu registered 14 points, four rebounds and two assists. Lonzo Ball totaled 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal. Nikola Vucevic managed an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included nine assists and two blocks.
Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 28 points, adding seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Al Horford generated a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Jayson Tatum managed 20 points as well, supplementing them with four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Marcus Smart tallied 16 points, one rebound and four steals, while Dennis Schroder furnished 13 points, five assists, three rebounds and two steals.
The Bulls remain on the road and face the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, while the Celtics hit the road to pay a visit to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night as well.
Raptors Rally For Win In New York
By Dan Bruno
The Toronto Raptors defeated the host New York Knicks, 113-104, at Madison Square Garden on Monday evening.
The Knicks got out to a strong start at home with a, 34-26, lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead up to 15 points in the second, but the Raptors closed the half on an, 18-7, run to make it a four-point game by halftime. The Raptors kept the momentum and took control in the third, where they outscored the hosts, 38-22, to take a, 91-79, lead into the final frame. The Knicks cut it to a nine-point game early in the fourth, but the Raptors would not give up their cushion, as they held on to close out the impressive road win. This marks the fourth straight win for the Raptors, as they move to 3-0 on the road, while it marks the end of a three-game win streak for the Knicks.
OG Anunoby led the way for the Raptors with 36 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 41 minutes. Gary Trent Jr. followed up with 26 points, four steals, two rebounds and two assists, while Fred VanVleet tallied 17 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and a steal. The Raptors shot 43 percent from the field, including 14-of-42 from deep.
Meanwhile, RJ Barrett led the Knicks with 27 points, six rebounds and a steal, in 39 minutes. Julius Randle added 22 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a block, while Kemba Walker chipped in 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and a block. The Knicks shot 46 percent from the field, including 16-of-38 from long range.
The Knicks (5-2) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Wednesday. The Raptors (5-3) take on the Wizards in Washington on Wednesday.
The Knicks got out to a strong start at home with a, 34-26, lead after one quarter. They pushed their lead up to 15 points in the second, but the Raptors closed the half on an, 18-7, run to make it a four-point game by halftime. The Raptors kept the momentum and took control in the third, where they outscored the hosts, 38-22, to take a, 91-79, lead into the final frame. The Knicks cut it to a nine-point game early in the fourth, but the Raptors would not give up their cushion, as they held on to close out the impressive road win. This marks the fourth straight win for the Raptors, as they move to 3-0 on the road, while it marks the end of a three-game win streak for the Knicks.
OG Anunoby led the way for the Raptors with 36 points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal, in 41 minutes. Gary Trent Jr. followed up with 26 points, four steals, two rebounds and two assists, while Fred VanVleet tallied 17 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and a steal. The Raptors shot 43 percent from the field, including 14-of-42 from deep.
Meanwhile, RJ Barrett led the Knicks with 27 points, six rebounds and a steal, in 39 minutes. Julius Randle added 22 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a block, while Kemba Walker chipped in 15 points, three rebounds, three assists and a block. The Knicks shot 46 percent from the field, including 16-of-38 from long range.
The Knicks (5-2) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Wednesday. The Raptors (5-3) take on the Wizards in Washington on Wednesday.
Magic Defeat T'Wolves, 115-97
The Orlando Magic defeated the host Minnesota Timberwolves, 115-97, at Target Center on Monday.
Minnesota actually held the lead for 34 of the first 37 minutes of this game, but Orlando rode a 43-19 fourth quarter to their blowout win. In fact, there was a 32-point turnaround between the final minutes of the third quarter and the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Orlando shot 45 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the free-throw line, while holding Minnesota to 37 percent from the field, 28 percent from long range and 58 percent from the charity stripe. The Magic also out-blocked the Timberwolves , 7-1.
The Magic (2-6) were led by Cole Anthony, tallying 31 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Franz Wagner amassed 28 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Wendell Carter Jr collected 15 points, 14 rebounds and three assists while Mo Bamba generated eight points and 10 rebounds. Jalen Suggs also had 15 points.
The Timberwolves (3-3) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 23 points, 16 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt compiled 10 points and eight rebounds while Malik Beasley led the bench with 11 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Minnesota staying home to play the Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando returning to Florida to face the Boston Celtics.
Minnesota actually held the lead for 34 of the first 37 minutes of this game, but Orlando rode a 43-19 fourth quarter to their blowout win. In fact, there was a 32-point turnaround between the final minutes of the third quarter and the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Orlando shot 45 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range and 80 percent from the free-throw line, while holding Minnesota to 37 percent from the field, 28 percent from long range and 58 percent from the charity stripe. The Magic also out-blocked the Timberwolves , 7-1.
The Magic (2-6) were led by Cole Anthony, tallying 31 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and two steals. Franz Wagner amassed 28 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Wendell Carter Jr collected 15 points, 14 rebounds and three assists while Mo Bamba generated eight points and 10 rebounds. Jalen Suggs also had 15 points.
The Timberwolves (3-3) were led by Anthony Edwards, accruing 24 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Karl-Anthony Towns tallied 23 points, 16 rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jarred Vanderbilt compiled 10 points and eight rebounds while Malik Beasley led the bench with 11 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Wednesday, with Minnesota staying home to play the Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando returning to Florida to face the Boston Celtics.
Grizzlies Defeat Nuggets, 106-97
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Denver Nuggets, 106-97, at FedEx Forum on Monday.
While there were six ties and nine lead changes in this game, Memphis led for all but a few minutes. A 22-15 third quarter really decided things for the Grizzlies, leading by at least seven points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Memphis shot 13-of-34 from the three-point line while holding Denver to 9-of-38. In addition, the Grizzlies out-rebounded the Nuggets, 55-40. That allowed Memphis to outscore Denver in the paint, 58-40, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 14-7.
The Nuggets (4-3) were led by Nikola Jokic and his 23 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four blocks. Aaron Gordon amassed 15 points and 10 rebounds. Monte Morris accrued 11 points and six assists while Michael Porter Jr finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists, Will Barton missed seven of his eight shots to generate four points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Grizzlies (4-3) were led by Ja Morant, collecting 26 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Tyus Jones led the bench with 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Desmond Bane tallied 11 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kyle Anderson also provided nine points, nine rebounds and three assists off the bench as well.
These teams have a rematch on Wednesday for their next outing.
While there were six ties and nine lead changes in this game, Memphis led for all but a few minutes. A 22-15 third quarter really decided things for the Grizzlies, leading by at least seven points for the entirety of the fourth quarter. Memphis shot 13-of-34 from the three-point line while holding Denver to 9-of-38. In addition, the Grizzlies out-rebounded the Nuggets, 55-40. That allowed Memphis to outscore Denver in the paint, 58-40, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 14-7.
The Nuggets (4-3) were led by Nikola Jokic and his 23 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four blocks. Aaron Gordon amassed 15 points and 10 rebounds. Monte Morris accrued 11 points and six assists while Michael Porter Jr finished with 10 points, eight rebounds and three assists, Will Barton missed seven of his eight shots to generate four points, four rebounds and four assists.
The Grizzlies (4-3) were led by Ja Morant, collecting 26 points, seven rebounds and eight assists. Tyus Jones led the bench with 17 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals. Desmond Bane tallied 11 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kyle Anderson also provided nine points, nine rebounds and three assists off the bench as well.
These teams have a rematch on Wednesday for their next outing.
Clippers Defeat Thunder, 99-94
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 99-94, at Staples Center on Monday.
While Oklahoma City led for 45 minutes of this 48-minute game, Los Angeles rode a 33-20 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. In fact, the Thunder led by 15 points at times, with the Clippers finishing on a 17-3 run across the final 2:35 to prevail. Los Angeles ended up shooting 15-of-42 from three-point range while Oklahoma City connected on just 11-of-37. In addition, the Clippers won the turnover battle, 16-12, which led to them outscoring OKC in fastbreak points, 20-9.
The Thunder (1-6) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Josh Giddey generated 15 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks. Darius Bazley totaled 15 points and six rebounds. Mike Muscala led the bench with eight points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Clippers (2-4) were led by Paul George and his 32 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Reggie Jackson compiled 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Nicolas Batum had 14 points, eight rebounds and two steals while Luke Kennard led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. As for Oklahoma City, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.
While Oklahoma City led for 45 minutes of this 48-minute game, Los Angeles rode a 33-20 fourth quarter to their comeback victory. In fact, the Thunder led by 15 points at times, with the Clippers finishing on a 17-3 run across the final 2:35 to prevail. Los Angeles ended up shooting 15-of-42 from three-point range while Oklahoma City connected on just 11-of-37. In addition, the Clippers won the turnover battle, 16-12, which led to them outscoring OKC in fastbreak points, 20-9.
The Thunder (1-6) were led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, accruing 28 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Josh Giddey generated 15 points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks. Darius Bazley totaled 15 points and six rebounds. Mike Muscala led the bench with eight points, seven rebounds and three assists.
The Clippers (2-4) were led by Paul George and his 32 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Reggie Jackson compiled 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Nicolas Batum had 14 points, eight rebounds and two steals while Luke Kennard led the bench with 14 points, four rebounds and two assists.
On deck for Los Angeles is a road matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. As for Oklahoma City, they return to action on Thursday in a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.