Post Up: Second Half Shootout

Warriors 127 (3-1), Trail Blazers 104 (2-2)

Heading into halftime, Portland faced only a six-point deficit and looked game against the defending Western Conference champs. Stephen Curry would take it to another level in the second half, however, piling on 23 third quarter points to rout Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers. Though Dame held up his end of the bargain with 31 points on 8-of-19 shooting, he must regret the timing of these remarks:

Jazz 106 (2-2), Spurs 91 (4-1)

George Hill went off for 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting to hand his former team their first loss of the season. Derrick Favors was only able to play 16 minutes due to a minutes restriction, but the Jazz received solid performances in his stead from Rodney Hood (19 points) and Shelvin Mack (19 points on 6-of-9 shooting). San Antonio received 21 and 30 points from LaMarcus Aldridge and Kawhi Leonard, respectively. The Spurs will look to rebound against the Clippers on Saturday.

Timberwolves 116 (1-2), Grizzlies 80 (2-2)

Memphis was hard-pressed to compete in this one; head coach David Fizdale opted to rest Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, leaving the Grizzlies with few answers for Zach LaVine (31 points) and Karl-Anthony Towns (first double-double of season). Kris Dunn, who received his first start over the injured Ricky Rubio, filled out his stat sheet nicely in the rout.

Bucks 117 (2-2), Pelicans 113 (0-4)

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis went toe-to-toe in NOLA, with the Greek Freak (three dimes shy of a triple-double) emerging victorious. Jabari Parker dropped 21 points from Milwaukee’s starting five, and Malcolm Brogdon added 14 off the bench. Though Tim Frazier has been a welcome presence in Jrue Holiday’s absence, the Pels can’t find a way to build offense without Anthony Davis.

Heat 108 (2-2), Kings 96 (2-3)

DeMarcus Cousins committed six fourth quarter fouls en route to Sacramento’s overtime loss to the Heat. Goran Dragic spearheaded Miami’s offensive attack with 25 points, and Tyler Johnson added 22. Rudy Gay had a chance to beat the buzzer at the end of regulation, but instead this happened:

Pistons 102 (3-1), Knicks 89 (1-2)

The Knicks crumbled in the fourth quarter at The Palace, managing just 10 points in Detroit’s third straight W. Andre Drummond grabbed 13 boards and Tobias Harris dropped 25 points to sink Jeff Hornacek’s squad.

Magic 103 (1-3), 76ers 101 (0-3)

Joel Embiid was stellar yet again for the rebuilding 76ers, but Orlando managed to overcome an 18-point deficit to earn their first win of the season. Aaron Gordon took liftoff on a stunning 360 dunk, eventually finishing with seven points and four dimes.

Pacers 115 (2-2), Lakers 108 (1-3)

Paul George lit up the Lakers for 30 points on 8-of-16 shooting and C.J. Miles added 16 in Indiana’s second W of the season. He hasn’t had many opportunities to play this season, but Metta World Peace left his unique stamp on this game:

https://twitter.com/CauldronICYMI/status/793621720783433728

Cavaliers 128 (4-0), Rockets 120 (2-2)

James Harden and Kyrie Irving dueled in the Cavs’ fourth straight win to open the season. The defending NBA champions received 19 points and 13 boards from LeBron James and 24 points from Kevin Love. Not only did Harden score 41 points with 15 dimes in the loss; he also committed just one turnover in 38 minutes.