In the early games on Tuesday, LeBron James got ejected for the first time in his career, but the Cavaliers dominated the Heat to earn their ninth win in a row. The late games featured two blowouts. After a close first-half, the Jazz ran the Nuggets off the floor after halftime, while the Bucks easily took down the Suns.
Bucks (10-9) defeat Kings (6-15) - 112-87
The Kings probably had their highlight of the season Monday (Nov. 27) night, beating the Warriors in Golden State. But it’s important to dig a little deeper before giving them too much credit.
Both Warriors' superstars Kevin Durant and Steph Curry sat out with nagging injuries, so effectively, they played the Warriors’ B team. Running it back the very next night against the Bucks was going to be a challenge; however, Sacramento hung with Milwaukee early. But a Kings' six-point deficit in the first quarter exploded to 24 in the second. Sacramento scored just 11 points in the frame as the Bucks led 61-37.
Milwaukee's lead reached as much as 35 points in the third quarter before settling in at 25. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points, five rebounds, and five steals for the Bucks, while teammate Eric Bledsoe added 21 points and five assists. The duo also teamed up for this tremendous play.
Jazz (10-11) defeat Nuggets (11-9) - 106-77
Both these teams are playing without top players. Jazz center Rudy Gobert has missed the last two weeks of play, while Nuggets’ forward Paul Milsap could be out for the next three months. Utah's injury woes went from bad to worse when it was announced prior to tip-off that leading scorer Rodney Hood would also miss this game.
Denver's roster talent should have left them better equipped to handle the loss, but after a close first-half, the Jazz destroyed the Nuggets.
The game started off innocent enough with the two teams trading leads for much of the first two quarters. Denver even had a one-point advantage at the break. Guard Gary Harris knocked down four three-pointers to pace Denver with 14 points.
But the Jazz jumped ahead early in the third quarter, going on a quick 10-0 run, and never looked back. The lead swelled from 10 to 24 and then to eventually 29. Utah outscored Denver 58-28 in the second-half. Derrick Favors had a Jazz-high 24 points and nine rebounds. Utah rookie Donovan Mitchell, who has been starting with Gobert out, dropped 16 points. After his strong first-half, Harris finished with just 18 points to lead the Nuggets.
