Pacific Notes: Garland, Leonard, Kleber, Thiero, Bouyea The Pacific Division is heating up as we approach the midpoint of the season. The Golden State Warriors are still in control, but teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns are closing the gap. Here's a look at some key notes from around the division. First, it's hard to ignore the performance of Stephen Curry's backcourt mate, D'Angelo Garland. The young guard has been on a tear lately, averaging 22 points and 7 assists per game over his last five outings. With Klay Thompson still recovering from an injury, Garland is proving he can be a reliable second option for Golden State. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers are getting big contributions from their bench mob. Paul George has been leading the charge with 25 points and 5 rebounds per game in his last four appearances, but it's been the play of Marcus Leonard that has really stood out. The rookie guard is averaging 12 points and 3 assists per game over his last three games, showing flashes of his impressive scoring ability. The Phoenix Suns are trying to stay relevant despite injuries to key players like Devin Booker and Mikal Bridges. One bright spot has been the play of big man Luka Kleber. The German center is averaging 15 points and 8 rebounds per game in his last four appearances, providing a much-needed boost on the glass for Phoenix. On the other end of the spectrum, the Sacramento Kings are struggling to find consistency despite the emergenc...#Paul_George #Stephen_Curry #Phoenix_Suns #Devin_Booker #Sacramento_Kings #Mikal_Bridges #Golden_State_Warriors #Los_Angeles_Clippers #Portland_Trail_Blazers #DAngelo_Garland #Klay_Thompson #Marcus_Leonard #Luka_Kleber #Jalen_Thiero #Jordan_Bouyea
Pacers Outlast Clippers in Thrilling Overtime Affair In a game that had it all, the Indiana Pacers emerged victorious over the Los Angeles Clippers 124-119 in overtime at the Staples Center on Tuesday night. The contest was marked by stunning individual performances, dramatic twists and turns, and ultimately, a thrilling conclusion. The Pacers, led by the dominant play of forward Domantas Sabonis, took an early lead and held onto it for most of the game. However, the Clippers refused to go quietly into the night, fueled by the brilliant shooting of guard Paul George. As the clock ticked down, the intensity ratcheted up, with both teams trading baskets and playing tenacious defense. As the regulation clock expired, the score was deadlocked at 114-114, setting the stage for a thrilling overtime period. In that extra frame, Sabonis proved to be the difference-maker, scoring six of his team's nine points to seal the victory. Sabonis finished with a career-high 42 points and added 13 rebounds to pace the Pacers' attack. Meanwhile, George led the Clippers with 37 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome their struggles on the defensive end. The Pacers limited Los Angeles to just 22 points in the second half, including only six in the crucial overtime period. The win marks the third straight for Indiana, which has now won four of its last five games. The Pacers will look to carry this momentum into a home matchup against the Chicago Bulls on Friday.#Paul_George #Chicago_Bulls #Indiana_Pacers #Domantas_Sabonis #Los_Angeles_Clippers #Staples_Center
Pacers Pull Off Stunning Upset Against Clippers In a game that had everyone on the edge of their seats, the Indiana Pacers managed to pull off an incredible upset against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Pacers, who were considered huge underdogs going into the contest, came out strong and never looked back. The game started off with both teams feeling each other out, but it was the Pacers who drew first blood. A three-pointer by Malcolm Brogdon gave them an early 3-0 lead, and they would not look back. The Clippers struggled to find their rhythm on offense, allowing the Pacers to build a comfortable lead. As the game wore on, the Pacers continued to dominate. They were led by the outstanding play of Domantas Sabonis, who had a monster game with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Myles Turner also chipped in with 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Brogdon added 15 points off the bench. The Clippers, on the other hand, struggled to find their footing. They were led by Kawhi Leonard's 23 points, but even he couldn't carry his team to victory. The Pacers' defense was stifling all night long, holding the Clippers to just 39% shooting from the field and 25% from three-point range. As the final buzzer sounded, the Pacers had pulled off a stunning 102-85 upset. It was their fourth win in their last five games, and it showed that they are a team on the rise. "We're proud of our guys," said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle after the game. "They've been working hard and it's paying off. We're excited to see where this season takes us." The Clippers, meanwhile, were left to wonder what went wrong. They had dominated the Pacers in their previous meeting ear...#Denver_Nuggets #Indiana_Pacers #Domantas_Sabonis #Los_Angeles_Clippers #Portland_Trail_Blazers #Kawhi_Leonard #Malcolm_Brogdon #Rick_Carlisle #Myles_Turner #Doc_Rivers
Best Photos of Pacers vs. Clippers in NBA Action Wednesday The Indiana Pacers took on the Los Angeles Clippers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday, and our photographer was courtside to capture all the action. Check out these top photos from the game. Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton drives past Clippers defender Marcus Morris Sr. during the first half of their matchup. Haliburton finished with a team-high 24 points as the Pacers earned a 118-110 victory. Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard looks to pass while being pressured by Pacers big man Myles Turner. Leonard scored a game-high 30 points for the Clippers, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Pacers' balanced effort. Pacers guard Buddy Hield knocks down a three-pointer over Clippers defender Nicolas Batum during the second half of their matchup. Hield finished with 19 points and made five threes on the night. Clippers forward Paul George looks to drive past Pacers defender Jalen Smith during the first half of their matchup. George scored 22 points for the Clippers, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Pacers' strong team effort. Pacers guard T.J. McConnell drives past Clippers defender Reggie Jackson during the second half of their matchup. McConnell finished with 17 points and dished out six assists as the Pacers earned a much-needed win. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle looks on from the sidelines during the first half of their matchup against the Clippers. The Pacers' victory was their fourth...#Paul_George #Indiana_Pacers #Jalen_Smith #Tyrese_Haliburton #Los_Angeles_Clippers #Kawhi_Leonard #Marcus_Morris_Sr #Myles_Turner #Buddy_Hield #Nicolas_Batum #TJ_McConnell #Reggie_Jackson #Rick_Carlisle #Terance_Mann #Chris_Duarte_Jr #Gainbridge_Fieldhouse
Philadelphia's Bench Scoring Sensation Vows to Keep Momentum Going The Philadelphia 76ers' bench unit has been a source of inspiration for the team all season, and none more so than Tobias Harris. The veteran forward scored a game-high 24 points in Monday night's dominant 126-94 win over the San Antonio Spurs. With the Sixers riding high on their recent five-game winning streak, Harris is determined to keep the momentum going as they head into a tough stretch of games against some of the league's top teams. "We're not getting ahead of ourselves," Harris said after the game. "We know we've got a lot of work to do, but we're feeling good about where we are right now." Harris' performance was just one highlight in an impressive all-around effort from the 76ers' bench unit, which outscored the Spurs' reserves by a whopping 64-23. The Sixers' second unit has been a key factor in their recent success, and Harris is thrilled to be a part of it. "It's fun being able to come off the bench and make an impact," he said. "We're all feeding off each other right now, and it's showing on the court." With the Sixers set to face stiff competition from teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics in the coming weeks, Harris knows that his unit will need to continue to produce if they want to keep their winning streak alive. "We know we can't take anyone lightly," he said. "We've got to stay focused and keep pushing forward." Harris' teammates are just as impressed with his play as he is himself. "Tobias has been unbelievable all season," 76ers guard Shake Milton said. "He's a difference-maker, no question about it." The Sixers will look to build on their winning streak when they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.#Milwaukee_Bucks #Boston_Celtics #San_Antonio_Spurs #Los_Angeles_Clippers #Philadelphia_76ers #Tobias_Harris #Shake_Milton
NBA Teams' Regrets: One Trade Each Wishes It Could Make Right Now The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, leaving some teams feeling regretful about the moves they didn't make. With hindsight being 20/20, it's easy to imagine which trades each team would wish they could redo right now. Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks traded away their first-round pick in the 2021 draft for the rights to acquire Cam Reddish from the New York Knicks. They'd be happy to get that pick back and rework their roster around Trae Young. A trade for a young talent like Jalen Green or Jonathan Kuminga would give them a much-needed boost on the wing. Boston Celtics: The C's traded away the 2019 first-round pick they acquired from Sacramento, which became Tyler Herro, to the Miami Heat. They'd love to have that pick back and pair it with their current core. A trade for someone like Jarrett Allen or Bam Adebayo would give them a dominant big man to anchor their defense. Brooklyn Nets: The Nets traded away Jeremy L...#NBA #Charlotte_Hornets #Denver_Nuggets #Detroit_Pistons #Chicago_Bulls #Indiana_Pacers #Cleveland_Cavaliers #Orlando_Magic #Toronto_Raptors #Phoenix_Suns #Milwaukee_Bucks #Sacramento_Kings #Los_Angeles_Lakers #Boston_Celtics #Golden_State_Warriors #New_Orleans_Pelicans #Atlanta_Hawks #Brooklyn_Nets #Houston_Rockets #Los_Angeles_Clippers #Memphis_Grizzlies #Miami_Heat #Minnesota_Timberwolves #New_York_Knicks #Oklahoma_City_Thunder #Philadelphia_76ers #Portland_Trail_Blazers #San_Antonio_Spurs #Utah_Jazz
