Only three games around the NBA on Saturday, so let’s dive in to each one:
Sixers Stun Cavs
Paul George and Tyrese Maxey combined for 59 points as the Philadelphia 76ers (16-27) bucked the 70 combined points of Donovan Mitchell and Ty Jerome to stun the Cleveland Cavaliers (36-8), 132-129, at Wells Fargo Center.
George topscored for the Sixers with 30 points, followed by Maxey’s 29. The two made 10 of their 19 attempts from downtown. Eric Gordon added 15 markers on a perfect 4-for-4 from three territory.
Mitchell had 37 for the Cavs, who are now 3-4 after going 33-4 in their first 37 games. Jerome added a career-high 33, while Darius Garland added 26 points and 7 dimes.
Up next:
Sixers vs. Chicago Bulls on January 26
Cavs vs. Houston Rockets on January 26
Grizzlies Rout Pelicans
Jaren Jackson Jr. fired 29 points and Luke Kennard put up 27 to help the Memphis Grizzlies (30-15) to a 139-126 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans (12-33) at Spectrum Center.
Jackson also had 5 rebounds and 7 assists, while Kennard added 6 assists. Desmond Bane chipped in 20 points and dished out a season-high 14 assists for the Grizzlies, who shot 55% from the field.
Dejounte Murray led the Pelicans with 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Trey Murphy III and CJ McCollum chipped in 22 apiece. New Orleans shot 54% overall but could not match Memphis’s firepower.
Up next:
Grizzlies vs. Jazz on January 26
Pelicans vs. Charlotte Hornets on January 27
Blazers Stymie Hornets
The Portland Trail Blazers (17-28) did just enough down the stretch to eke out a 102-97 victory against the Charlotte Hornets (11-30) at Spectrum Center.
Anfernee Simons led all scorers with 27 points, while Jerami Grant added 22. Rookie Donovan Clingan had only 4 points but had 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks. Shaedon Sharpe chipped in 13 off the bench for the Blazers, who shot just 40% overall.
Nick Smith Jr.’s 17 points led the Hornets, who shot even worse from the field at 37%. Josh Okogie and Mark Williams added 16 and 15, respectively.
Up next:
Blazers vs. Thunder on January 27
Hornets vs. Pelicans on January 26
