NBA roundup: Giannis Antetokounmpo boosts Bucks at buzzer
Tue Nov 4 2:01am ET
Field Level Media
Giannis Antetokounmpo capped his game-high 33-point performance on Monday with a buzzer-beating, turnaround fadeaway to lift the Milwaukee Bucks past the Indiana Pacers, 117-115, in Indianapolis.
Antetokounmpo's big night included 13 rebounds for his fifth double-double in six games. His 33 points also marked his fifth performance of at least 30 points this season. Complementing him were Kyle Kuzma with 15 points off the bench, Cole Anthony with another 11 points in reserve duty, Gary Trent Jr. with 11 points and AJ Green with 13.
The loss dropped the reigning Eastern Conference champion Pacers to 1-6 on the season, and Indiana's fourth loss of six points or fewer. Pascal Siakam finished with 32 points to lead the Pacers, Quenton Jackson posted a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, Jarace Walker added 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists and Aaron Nesmith contributed 17 points and seven rebounds.
The Pacers trailed most of the night, but stayed within striking distance thanks both to forcing 18 Milwaukee turnovers and the Bucks' dreadful 13-of-22 shooting at the free-throw line. After Green made one of two free throws, Indiana knotted the score at 115-115 on the ensuing possession when Nesmith winded his way through the Bucks defense for a layup with 15 seconds remaining.
Timberwolves 125, Nets 109
Donte DiVincenzo scored 25 points as Minnesota pulled away in the fourth quarter for a victory over winless Brooklyn in New York.
DiVincenzo hit two 3-pointers in the fourth when the Timberwolves outscored the Nets 34-21. The guard shot 8 of 17 overall and made six 3s after hitting five in Saturday's win over Charlotte. Julius Randle totaled 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for his 15th career triple-double. Jaden McDaniels added 22 on 9-of-11 shooting. Reid added 21 points off the bench as the Wolves shot 56.4% from the field and 40% on 3-pointers.
Cam Thomas scored 25 points for the Nets, who were 6-of-26 shooting in the fourth quarter and shot 40.4% overall. Nic Claxton added 19 points, eight rebounds and seven assists and Noah Clowney contributed 15 points in place of Michael Porter Jr. (personal reasons).
Knicks 119, Wizards 102
Josh Hart scored 10 points during a decisive third-period run for host New York, which pulled away and beat Washington.
Hart (12 points, 10 rebounds) and Karl-Anthony Towns (33 points, 13 rebounds) each posted double-doubles for the Knicks, who won both ends of a back-to-back at home. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby had 16 points apiece. The duo combined for 12 points in the third quarter, when the Knicks outscored the Wizards 41-24 to take a 98-78 lead.
Alex Sarr scored 19 points for the Wizards, who have lost five straight. Starters Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George and reserve Corey Kispert had 15 each while Tre Johnson added 10 off the bench.
Nuggets 130, Kings 124
Nikola Jokic scored a season-high 34 points to go with 14 assists, Christian Braun added a season-best 21 points and host Denver held off Sacramento.
Aaron Gordon added 20 points, Jamal Murray scored 15 despite missing all five of his 3-point attempts, Bruce Brown contributed 13 off the bench and Cam Johnson finished with 10 points for Denver.
Sacramento's Russell Westbrook recorded season highs in points (26), rebounds (12) and turnovers (six) in his first game against his former team. Westbrook helped Denver reach the second round of the playoffs last spring in his only season with the team. He was given a warm welcome by the Denver crowd. Domantas Sabonis contributed 13 points and 17 rebounds, DeMar DeRozan added 19 points, while Dennis Schroder finished with 18 points.
Jazz 105, Celtics 103
Jusuf Nurkic scored with 0.6 seconds to play to give visiting Utah the victory over Boston.
Nurkic's game-winning putback off a Keyonte George missed shot was part of an 11-point, 11-rebound effort for the Bosnian big man. George led the Jazz with 31 points, while Lauri Markkanen added 20 and Kyle Filopowski chipped in with 13.
Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 36 points but missed all nine of his 3-point attempts. He was also called for an offensive foul during an inbounds play after Nurkic's bucket to seal the loss for the Celtics. Supporting Brown were Payton Pritchard, who notched 18 points, and Anfernee Simons, who dropped 15 off the bench.
Rockets 110, Mavericks 102
Alperen Sengun paired 26 points with 11 rebounds, Amen Thompson chipped in 27 points, and host Houston fended off short-handed Dallas.
Sengun helped the Rockets get late separation with a pair of free throws and a spinning eight-footer down the stretch. His pass to Josh Okogie yielded two free throws with 1:01 remaining that helped the Rockets extend to a 107-102 lead and seal a fourth straight win.
Sengun added a team-high six assists to his ledger. Kevin Durant scored 21 points and overcame an off-shooting night with back-to-back 3-pointers that resulted in a late 99-94 lead.
Lakers 123, Trail Blazers 115
Deandre Ayton, Rui Hachimura and Nick Smith Jr. all achieved season-best point totals as short-handed Los Angeles notched a victory over host Portland.
Ayton had 29 points on 14-of-19 shooting and collected 10 rebounds and three blocked shots. Hachimura had 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting. Smith was the biggest surprise with 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 5 of 6 from 3-point range. He added a season-best six assists as the Lakers won their fourth consecutive contest. Los Angeles held out Luka Doncic (leg contusion) and Austin Reaves (groin soreness) on the second night of a back-to-back. Also, LeBron James (sciatica) has yet to play this season.
Deni Avdija scored a season-best 33 points for Portland, which had a three-game winning streak snapped. Shaedon Sharpe added 23 points and seven rebounds, reserve Jerami Grant scored 18 points and Toumani Camara had 14 points and seven rebounds.
Pistons 114, Grizzlies 106
Cade Cunningham scored 19 of his season-high 33 points in the fourth quarter as visiting Detroit led wire to wire in a victory over Memphis.
Cunningham scored nine straight Pistons points late in the fourth to give Detroit a nine-point lead. Isaiah Stewart backed up Cunningham's electric performance with season highs of his own, recording 26 points and 14 rebounds. Stewart also added four blocks to help the Pistons win their third straight game.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with a season-high 21 points. Ja Morant recorded an 18-point, 10-assist double-double in his return from a one-game suspension, but he also missed all four of his 3-point attempts and committed five turnovers. Rookie Cedric Coward added 17 points off the bench.
Heat 120, Clippers 119
Bam Adebayo scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Norman Powell scored 21 against his former team as Miami earned a victory over Los Angeles in Inglewood, Calif.
Andrew Wiggins scored 17 points and Kel'el Ware added 16 as the Heat won for the first time in three games on a four-game road trip. Powell, who was traded by the Clippers to the Heat in the offseason, made his return from a three-game absence because of a groin injury.
James Harden scored 29 points and Kawhi Leonard scored 15 of his 27 points in the first quarter for the Clippers, who lost for the first time in four home games. Ivica Zubac scored nine points and recorded 18 rebounds, while Derrick Jones Jr., Bradley Beal and John Collins each scored 12 for Los Angeles.
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Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report ahead of Sunday's contest against the Sacramento Kings. This is a positive development, as Smith has been out for five games and was listed as doubtful for the prior contest. Guerschon Yabusele and Nick Richards have been key in the frontcourt during Smith's absence and will both lose minutes if he returns. Before suffering a left calf strain, Smith was a starter in six consecutive appearances, averaging 12.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in 21.2 minutes.
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (ankle) won't be in the lineup for Sunday's meeting with the Houston Rockets, missing a fourth consecutive game. Incredibly, Barnes had made 364 straight appearances before an ankle problem sidelined him earlier this week. Barnes' absence has opened up around 20 minutes in the second unit. Carter Bryant has benefited the most in this situation, though the rookie can't yet be trusted in fantasy basketball.
Houston Rockets forward/center Jabari Smith Jr. (ankle) is not on the injury report for Sunday's I-10 Rivalry matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. Smith Jr. has played in only one of the last four games as he recovers from an ankle sprain. Reed Sheppard has been starting in Smith Jr.'s absence, producing some outstanding displays. On Sunday, Sheppard will likely be back in the second unit, but he will continue to have fantasy value as a spark plug off the bench.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (wrist) is listed as probable for Sunday's action against the Portland Trail Blazers. He appears set for a third consecutive appearance despite dealing with a left wrist sprain. Siakam shoots with his right hand, so this isn't a major issue for him. The Pacers star has come out of the All-Star break on fire, averaging 28.3 points per game with 56.6 percent shooting. With Portland having a below-average defensive rating, the stage is set for Siakam to keep his hot streak going.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back, neck) is questionable to play on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 26-year-old has recently played through back and neck issues and could now opt for some rest to aid his recovery. The Pacers aren't really interested in winning late in the season, so backup point guard T.J. McConnell is likely to log his usual minutes even if Nembhard doesn't play. Younger guards like Quenton Jackson and Kam Jones will benefit more from his absence.
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (ankle) could be absent for a second consecutive game on Sunday against the Sacramento Kings, as the team has listed him as questionable. Buzelis injured his right ankle in Tuesday's loss to Oklahoma City and missed his first game of the season on Thursday against Phoenix. Leonard Miller moved to the first unit on Thursday and could get another start against the Kings. In his first career start, Miller nearly bagged a double-double, finishing with eight points and nine rebounds. If only he hadn't gone 0-for-5 from three-point range, it might have been a very memorable night for Miller.
Philadelphia 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey injured his right hand late in Saturday's 125-116 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. With only around 25 seconds left to play, Maxey was involved in a collision with teammate Adem Bona. He exited to the locker room clutching his right hand. This was a very unfortunate incident, considering the game was basically done and dusted. If Maxey's injury turns out to be serious, it would be a major blow for the 76ers. The star guard led his team with 31 points on Saturday, adding two rebounds, five assists, and four steals to his tally. Cameron Payne is likely to take over starting point guard duties if Maxey misses time.
Chicago Bulls point guard Josh Giddey (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings. He rolled his right ankle earlier this week and has already missed one game. As a result of Giddey's absence, Collin Sexton got a chance to start on Thursday versus the Phoenix Suns, exploding for a season-high 30 points. This performance is likely to lead to Sexton earning a bigger role, even if Giddey returns on Sunday. Tre Jones, who tallied 21 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals against the Suns, also has additional fantasy value in Giddey's absence.
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins (toe) is considered questionable for Sunday's tilt against the Detroit Pistons. Wiggins sat out Friday's win over Charlotte with a knee issue and is in danger of missing further action due to left big toe inflammation. With Norman Powell (groin) still out, the Heat could really use Wiggins' scoring ability against the Eastern Conference leaders on Sunday. Myron Gardnerstarted in Wiggins' place on Friday, notching six points, five rebounds, and two assists in 16 minutes. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel'el Ware also enjoy expanded roles without Wiggins.
Miami Heat guard/forward Norman Powell (groin) will miss Sunday's big clash against the Detroit Pistons. He continues to recover from a Grade 1 groin strain, sitting out a fifth consecutive game. Powell leads the Heat in scoring this season, and without him, there's more offensive responsibility on Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo. Meanwhile, Pelle Larsson has held a starting role for an extended period, recording averages of 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists since the All-Star break.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (back) remains on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Indiana Pacers. This time, he has been listed as questionable, giving fantasy managers hope that Avdija might finally be ready to return from a lingering back problem. He has been out for six games. With Kris Murray (illness) also sidelined, Scott Henderson has made back-to-back starts. He's had a very difficult time, posting 12 points on 4-for-20 shooting. The combination of Jerami Grant and Jrue Holiday will keep leading Portland's offense if Avdija doesn't return on Sunday night.
Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (knee) is set to play on Sunday against the New York Knicks after the team removed him from the injury report. Ayton hurt his left knee in Thursday's loss to Denver and didn't play on Friday night against Indiana. But luckily for the Lakers, Ayton's absence will be limited to one game. With Ayton back in the lineup, Jaxson Hayes will return to the bench. Drew Timme's playing time also takes a hit, and it wouldn't be surprising if he didn't see any action in Sunday's contest. Having drawn criticism recently, Ayton might be motivated to make a statement against the Knicks, but he'll be up against a team that has limited centers to the fourth-fewest fantasy points this season.
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Brandon Ingram (illness) is in danger of missing Sunday's meeting with the Dallas Mavericks. After dealing with a thumb injury, Ingram has come down with an illness, which might end his run of consecutive appearances at 22 games. If Ingram isn't available to play, the Raptors will likely turn to Ja'Kobe Walter to fill in for him in the first unit. Walter is an inconsistent performer and hasn't capitalized on previous chances to start this season. averaging 7.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 22.7 minutes.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (elbow, foot) has a questionable designation on the injury report for Sunday's clash against the New York Knicks. After sustaining an elbow contusion, James sat out the second game of a back-to-back on Friday against Indiana. Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters James will likely return to the lineup on Sunday, but the questionable tag leaves his status uncertain. James' absence from the lineup gave Rui Hachimura an opportunity to start on Friday night. Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia are also in line for more work if James doesn't return on Sunday.
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Will Richard (ankle) will miss a third straight game on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Golden State's initial injury report listed Richard as questionable, leaving the possibility of his return open. His next chance for a comeback will be on Monday night against the Utah Jazz. Nate Williams has been part of the rotation during Richard's absence, and LJ Cryer may also get more action on Saturday. That said, the two aren't expected to make a significant fantasy impact.
Los Angeles Clippers point guard Darius Garland will join the starting lineup on Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies. The two-time All-Star came off the bench in his first two appearances for the team. With him now in the first unit, it's possible Garland has been cleared to play more than the 23.5 minutes he has so far averaged in L.A. Kobe Sanders will make room for him in the starting lineup. Even as a starter, Sanders hasn't been particularly productive, and moving to the bench will only reduce his chances to contribute.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) has been removed from the injury report and will return to the lineup on Sunday against the Toronto Raptors. Gafford has been nursing a right ankle injury and didn't play on Friday against Boston as Dallas wrapped up a back-to-back set. With Gafford and Marvin Bagley (neck) out, Moussa Cisse entered the rotation on Friday, logging 26 minutes off the bench. He could be out of the lineup again on Sunday. Gafford produced a double-double in his last appearance and has averaged 9.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 1.0 steals since the All-Star break.
Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will be limited to around 15-20 minutes on Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. Golden State will ease the Latvian veteran back into action after he missed six games due to illness. Still, Porzingis could make a significant impact even with limited minutes. He has averaged only a little over 20 minutes per game this season (23.9), posting 16.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 blocks.
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Cooper Flagg (foot) has been tagged as questionable on the injury report ahead of Sunday's contest against the Toronto Raptors. The rookie phenom has just returned from a midfoot sprain and may need to take some time off after logging 56 minutes across a back-to-back set on Thursday and Friday. Dallas has several options to replace Flagg in the starting lineup, with Brandon Williams and Naji Marshall as the most likely candidates. Both have been impactful off the bench but would have additional fantasy value in the first unit.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (knee) will miss Sunday's tilt against the Boston Celtics. He has been ruled out due to right knee tendonitis. Allen hurt his knee on Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons. Thomas Bryant and Dean Wade (ankle) are the candidates to take Allen's spot in the starting lineup. Wade has missed three games with a sprained ankle but is listed as probable on the injury report. Allen's absence will also increase the pressure on Evan Mobley to perform well in the frontcourt.
