Boston (AP) – The Boston Celtics reacted to their loss to the Chicago Bulls with a show of strength and solidified their position as title candidates in the NBA. In 125:112 against the Dallas Mavericks, the leader of the Eastern Conference was not bothered by a brilliant Luka Doncic.
The Slovenian scored 42 points for the Mavericks, but was unable to stave off a 27-point deficit in the process. Two days after their fourth loss of the season to the Chicago Bulls, the Celtics earned their 14th win, no other team in the NBA has more than 12.
The Bulls, meanwhile, got their next win against a top team and won 118-113 at the Milwaukee Bucks. DeMar DeRozan had 36 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo was the most successful for the Bucks with 36 points. The Bucks are second in the East but have a small lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who posted a 114-96 win against the Portland Trail Blazers and now also have 12 wins this season but one loss more.
The Atlanta Hawks ended the Sacramento Kings’ seven-hit streak with 115:106 and improved their record to 11 wins in 18 games. Trae Young was the Hawks’ leading player of the night with 35 points.
