The Suns and the Grizzlies had fun doing tricks at the misnamed Magic and Wizards on Saturday in the NBA, while the stainless LeBron James made a winning return with the Lakers at the expense of the Knicks.
After his winning streak was stopped at eleven on Thursday in Atlanta, Phoenix moved forward in Washington (95-80), who offered no resistance.
And even when Devin Booker, who nevertheless averaged 33.3 points over the last six matches, is not in verve (11 pts, 5/14.7 rebounds, 5 assists), the team is solid enough collectively so that it does not show.
DeAndre Ayton dominated inside (20 pts, 16 rebounds) and Chris Paul (14 pts, 9 assists) managed for the Suns having counted up to 36 lengths ahead in the 3rd quarter.
The championship leader will have a more complicated trip to Chicago on Monday, with the dominating Bulls in the East.
Memphis also walked in Orlando (135-115), the phenomenon Ja Morant affixing his claw with 33 points.
Ja Morant, author of 33 points for the Memphis Grizzlies against the Orlando Magic, during their NBA game, February 5, 2022 in Orlando / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP
In the third quarter, the rear distinguished himself with one of his dunks mounted on springs of which he has the secret, after changing direction on a double support. A particularly difficult movement to perform. He then managed a blind pass (7 in total), after passing the ball behind his back, à la Magic Johnson, for Ziaire Williams who then sent him in the air for De’Anthony Melton’s alley-oop.
The Grizzlies, also guided by Jaren Jackson Jr (21 pts, 6 rebounds), then counted 31 units ahead, their widest in a fully mastered match.
Next on the road to Memphis will be Los Angeles at the Clippers on Tuesday.
– Miami and Milwaukee roll out –
In LA, precisely, the Lakers recovered LeBron James after five games of absence, due to a swollen knee. And they had the last word on New York (122-115) after extra time.
21 points behind in the second quarter, the “Angelenos” woke up in the wake of “LBJ” author of a triple-double (29 pts, 13 rebounds, 10 assists) in 40 minutes.
LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), author of a triple double for his return to the courts against the New York Knicks, February 5, 2022 in Los Angeles / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
“It feels good to be there alongside my team-mates, to help them, to behave like a leader, to give everything I have. We had to take our responsibilities (in the second half), otherwise we wouldn’t could not have looked in the mirror”, commented the indestructible star of 37 years.
By his side, Anthony Davis (28 pts, 17 rebounds, 4 blocks) and Malik Monk (29 pts) were in tune, unlike Russell Westbrook in total distress (5 pts, 1/10 on shots, 6 assists).
Opposite, RJ Barrett was excellent, beating his points record (36, 8 rebounds). It was he who snatched the “overtime” during which Evan Fournier (15 pts) had the misfortune to offer a decisive pass to James by saving a ball. Against his former team, Julius Randle shone (32 pts, 16 rebounds, 7 assists), in vain.
Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat, defended by Kelly Oubre Jr (Charlotte Hornets), during their NBA game, October 29, 2021 in Miami / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/Archives
Miami, for its part, had no trouble winning in Charlotte (104-86), thanks in particular to Jimmy Butler, very skilful (27 pts at 10/13), and Bam Adebayo, very active (20 pts, 12 rebounds, 3 interceptions, 2 blocks).
The Heat (2nd in the East), who also relied on Tyler Herro (19 pts), made the difference in the third quarter, inflicting a crippling 35-8 on the Hornets (9th) conceding their fourth consecutive loss.
Milwaukee (3rd), finally, spent a quiet evening in Portland (137-108) where Giannis Antetokounmpo was able to save himself (29 pts, 9 rebounds in 25 min).
–
