Three non-NBA Emirates Cup games were on tap on Friday around the Association, so let’s dive in on all three:
Celtics Throttle Pistons with Lights Out Shooting
Peyton Pritchard came off the bench to lead the Boston Celtics to a 123-99 thumping of the Detroit Pistons at TD Garden.
Pritchard finished with 27 points on seven triples to go along with his 10 dimes. Derrick White added 23 markers on 7-for-12 shooting from downtown for the 20-5 Celtics, who were without Jayson Tatum (sore right knee). The 10-16 Pistons got 26 points from Ronald Holland III off the bench, while Cade Cunningham had 18 points, 8 caroms, and 8 dimes.
(Up next: Celtics vs. Washington Wizards on December 16, Pistons vs. Miami Heat on December 17)
Heat Scorch Raptors Amid Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors
Not even Jimmy Butler trade rumors could slow down the Miami Heat as they beat the Toronto Raptors, 114-104, at Kaseya Center for their fourth straight win.
Tyler Herro paced the Heat with 23 points, while Bam Adebayo finished with 21 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists. Butler, who has been included in trade rumors the past three days, had 11 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Gradey Dick led the Raptors with 22 points, while RJ Barrett recorded a triple-double of 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.
(Up next: Heat vs. Pistons, Raptors vs. Chicago Bulls on December 17
Kings Clip Pelicans Behind Monster 32-20 from Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis scored a season-high 32 points and grabbed 20 rebounds to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 111-109 triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center.
DeMar DeRozan added 29 for the 13-13 Kings, who have won their third straight. De’Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray had 18 apiece. CJ McCollum led the 5-21 Pelicans with a game-high 36 points on six triples. He also converted on an and-1 with 1:20 remaining to make the score 111-109. However, New Orleans was unable to tie or get the lead in their last two possessions.
(Up next: Kings vs. Denver Nuggets on December 17, Pelicans vs. Indiana Pacers on December 16)
