Giannis Antetokounmpo, monumental with 54 points, revived Milwaukee against the Clippers (106-105), LeBron James and Anthony Davis saving the Lakers in Indiana (112-111) where a tussle between Donovan Mitchell and Dillon Brooks, excluded, almost degenerated during Cleveland-Memphis, Thursday in the NBA.
What to do when the “Greek” decides to be “Freak”? Not much, as he was “monstrous” in the last quarter, his 20 points almost erasing the 21 units behind deplored by his Bucks in the third.
He managed the last twelve points for his team in the money-time, when the Californians scored none in the last four minutes, both paralyzed by doubt in attack and helpless in defense, while they had reigned so far on this game.
And it was not Giannis’ stray bullet (also 19 rebounds) 15 seconds from the buzzer that changed the game, because Kawhi Leonard, in a difficult evening (17 pts, 7/26 on shots, 11 rebounds), missed the winning basket.
With this sixth consecutive success, Milwaukee consolidates its second place in the East. The Clippers retain their 5th position in the West.
Their “angeleno” rivals from the Lakers, late in the play-off race, suffered for a long time before overthrowing the Pacers, who counted up to 15 units ahead, leading up to 2 min 30 sec from the END.
– Another 63 –
Moment at which LeBron James (26 pts, 7 assists) changed the game with a long-range banderilla. He only misses 63 points to become the leading scorer in NBA history ahead of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387).
“It’s one of the greatest sports records in general, one of those that we don’t think will be broken,” reacted the “King” who should achieve it next Tuesday against Oklahoma City or Thursday against Milwaukee. , the very first club… of “KAJ” before he became a Laker.
Anthony Davis (31 pts, 14 rebounds) finished the job strong with the decisive basket 35 seconds from the buzzer, before achieving a counter that was as much on Tyrese Halliburton (26 pts, 12 assists). With this second victory in a row on the road, LA moved up to 12th place.
The leader Denver quietly disposed of Golden State (134-117), the outgoing champion again plagued by doubt.
The double MVP Nikola Jokic has multiplied again without forcing (22 pts, 16 rebounds, 13 assists), he who is already running at an average triple-double this season. Jamal Murray finished top scorer (33 pts).
Side Warriors, who unscrew in 9th position, Stephen Curry (28 pts) rather skilful, failed to counterbalance the defensive shortcomings of his team.
– Doncic injured –
In Dallas, where the Mavs (5th) inflicted on the Pelicans (10th) a tenth consecutive loss (111-106), we were heading for a new “masterclass” from Luka Doncic, when the Slovenian prodigy hurt his right heel falling heavily, after hitting Jonas Valanciunas. There were seven minutes left in the third quarter and he already had 31 points (12/19 on shots) and eight rebounds.
His cry of rage, limping towards the locker room, spoke volumes about his frustration, his team now hoping that the injury was not severe.
In Cleveland, things almost turned out badly after an incident in the third quarter. Brooks, falling to the ground after being countered, elbowed Mitchell in the crotch. Whereupon the latter threw the ball at him, before grabbing him by the neck and knocking him down again.
A very large melee immediately formed, involving players, staff of both teams, referees and security personnel, after which the worst was miraculously avoided.
Mitchell, holder of the next All-Star Game, and Brooks were excluded and the Cavs (5th in the East) ended up winning (128-113) in a tense atmosphere, Darius Garland standing out (32 pts, 11 passes).
Finally, New York beat Miami to the snatch (106-104), thanks in particular to RJ Barrett (30 pts) to get closer to sixth place for the Floridians.
