The match: Giannis Antetokounmpo tames the Lakers with 47 points
Great players shine in great matches. And even if the Bucks and the Lakers have been squatting in the middle of the table since the start of the season, their duel remains a poster of choice in the NBA. A clash between two favourites. In other words, a meeting for Giannis Antetokounmpo. The double-MVP delivered his best performance of the season to lead Milwaukee to victory against Los Angeles (109-102). With 47 points on the clock!
“I wanted to arrive on the field as an aggressor. I wanted to initiate contacts, go into painting and make the right choices.“, says the Greek. Mission accomplished. Despite the presence of a defender like Anthony Davis in front, Antetokounmpo multiplied the attacks towards the circle to destabilize a Lakers defense not really developed since the start of the season. Suddenly, he converted 18 of his 23 attempts, with even 3 of 4 behind the three-point line, making the difference very early in the game (17 points after a quarter).
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But even the “Greek Freak” card didn’t put the Bucks completely out of harm’s way. Led by Talen Horton-Tucker, excellent since his return from injury, the Lakers have resisted in the absence of LeBron James. Only two small points difference at the start of the fourth quarter (85-83). Until Antetokounmpo’s teammates find the three-point target. Khris Middleton – back after contracting COVID-19 – put two in a row then Pat Connaughton added another a few minutes later to give the defending champions a comfortable advantage (98-91). They now have a record of 7 wins and 8 losses. The Lakers do little better with one more success.
The series: 10 wins in a row for the Suns
Without Luka Doncic, hit in the ankle, the Mavericks of Kristaps Porzingis (21 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists) held for 43 minutes against one of the best teams in the league. Maybe even THE best right now. But they lacked lucidity in the last 5 minutes and it was the Suns who won another victory on Wednesday evening (105-96). The tenth in a row for Devin Booker and his teammates! Led by 5 points at the start of the fourth quarter (68-73), the last finalists were patient to come back to score without panicking. Chris Paul (7 points and 14 assists) equalized at 89 everywhere just under 5 minutes from the buzzer. Then, his team finished with a 16-7 including an award-winning basket from Booker to close the deal with 50 seconds remaining. The Suns are definitely still going strong.
The player: Jimmy Butler shines for his return
Returning from an ankle injury after missing 3 matches, Jimmy Butler did not take long to regain his feelings. With a triple-double on his return: 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for a victory for Miami against New Orleans (113-98). But despite the maddening address of its All-Star rear (10 of 12), the Heat struggled to defeat one of the worst teams in the league. The Floridians were 15 points behind twice in the first period. And it was finally when they returned from the locker room that they finally took the lead for good. By finishing in particular the third quarter on a 16-5 to widen the gap (81-70). This is the tenth victory in fifteen games for the South Beach franchise.
The performance: The Blazers knock the Bulls down in the money time
Winners of the Lakers and Clippers in their last two outings, the Bulls have not chained to Portland. They were overthrown by the Blazers (112-107), who nevertheless counted up to 20 points behind! But the franchise of Damian Lillard (22 points, 10 assists) came back to score in the second half being carried by an unleashed public. The All-Star leader scored several decisive baskets including a three-pointer to give his team a 4-point lead 4 minutes from the siren (102-98). The Bulls ended up going back in front thanks to an excellent Zach LaVine, author of 30 points. And it was again Lillard who made the difference by causing free throws. LaVine missed several opportunities to equalize in the final moments. An interesting victory for Portland, which seems to be getting better for a few matches.
The state: 16
Like the number of points scored by Anthony Edwards in the fourth quarter on Wednesday night. The first pick of the 2020 draft scored 16 of his 26 points in the most important moments to carry his Wolves to victory against the Kings (107-97). Including 4 award-winning baskets in the last 12 minutes. An important performance for Minnesota, which has been struggling for several weeks. Wolves have notably lost 8 of their last 10 meetings.
The image: Tyler Herro’s basket gag
One of the most improbable baskets of the start of the season.
The French: Encouraging performance for Frank Ntilikina
With a bombarded Jalen Brunson in the Dallas five in the absence of Luka Doncic, Frank Ntilikina took over management of the Mavericks’ second group. And brilliantly. 13 points for the tricolor leader, skillful from afar (3 out of 3).
Almost no shots attempted but a solid match for Killian Hayes, author of 4 points (2 of 2 on shots), 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals during the (rare) victory of the Pistons. Another small evening for Evan Fournier, limited to 5 points (2 out of 6) during his reunion with the Magic. He has not passed the 10 units mark in the last four matches.
The results of the night in the NBA
Hornets – Wizards : 97-87
Pistons – Pacers : 97-89
Hawks – Celtics : 110-99
Nets – Cavaliers : 109-99
Heat – Pelicans : 113-98
Knicks – Magic : 98-104
Bucks – Lakers : 109-102
Timberwolves – Kings : 107-97
Thunder – Rockets : 101-89
Suns – Mavericks : 105-98
Trail Blazers – Bulls : 112-107
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