Evan Fournier had an ideal start with New York, winner of Boston after a crazy game concluded after double overtime, in the opening of the NBA season, who also smiled in Utah, Philadelphia, but not in Phoenix, cold-picked by Denver, Wednesday.
. Fournier already adopted
For his first at Madison Square Garden in the Knicks jersey, which he was impatiently awaiting, the French back could hardly dream of a better scenario than a snatch victory (138-134) over the Celtics, of which he was the detonator.
Author of 32 points (6 rebounds, 4 interceptions), personal best matched, he started to catch fire in the “money-time”, making two baskets behind the arc which gave six lengths in advance to the Knicks. But a poor defensive choice on his part, after two successive ball losses from Kemba Walker, the other new offensive weapon from New York further behind (10 pts), allowed the Celtics to equalize at the buzzer by Marcus Smart (15 pts).
And, while Boston relied on a big performance from Jaylen Brown (46 pts), Jayson Tatum having been more discreet (20 pts), Fournier continued to put on three-point shots (6/13): three consecutive in the first overtime, a decisive in the second to finally fold the C’s, which also broke under the blows of Julius Randle (35 pts, 9 assists, 8 rebounds). All in a molten MSG, where the regular of the “courtside” Spike Lee has not held in place, alongside Dustin Hoffman and Michael J. Fox.
“I’m just very happy, I tried to play the way I can, being aggressive. It was an incredible atmosphere, the energy was crazy in the room, I loved it”, commented the French, satisfied.
. Denver gets back from Phoenix
Swept (4-0) in the semifinals of the Western Conference by the Suns in the last play-offs, the Nuggets managed a nice shot in Arizona by winning (110-98).
The Serbian interior Nikola Jokic, reigning MVP, was decisive with his 27 points and 13 rebounds, well supported by Will Barton (20 pts) and Jeff Green (13), the rookie from Brooklyn.
It was thanks to his defense that Denver made the difference, limiting Phoenix to 40 points in the second half (41.6% overall success). Devin Booker was particularly muzzled (12 pts, 3/15 on shots) alongside Chris Paul (15 pts, 10 assists).
. Gobert already in the rhythm
Utah, the best team of the last regular season, started the new year on the same good footing, winning easily against Oklahoma City (107-86).
As often, it is the collective which spoke within the Jazz, with five players to more than fourteen points, Bojan Bogdanovic being the most prolific (22), followed by Jordan Clarkson (18).
But the one who was the most complete was Rudy Gobert, with 16 points and the trifle of 21 rebounds (1 against) which testified to his domination without division under the panels.
. Philadelphia has fun without Simmons
The current backstage psychodrama between the 76ers and Ben Simmons, suspended for the first game of the season due to poor behavior in training, did not affect Philadelphia who won (117-97) at New Orleans.
It was not only the Australian absent for this meeting, since Zion Williamson (convalescent) was also lacking at the Pelicans and this was seen inside, where Joel Embiid took the opportunity to s ‘impose without forcing (22 pts in three quarters), well supported by Tobias Harris (20 pts, 12 rebounds).
“The players had a normal evening, the only abnormal part is when they have to answer questions from the media (on Simmons, editor’s note). It’s just about playing basketball and growing up together, and they had a great job in that regard, ”said coach Doc Rivers.
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