Booker – Doncic, the (too) rare duel
As surprising as it may seem, Devin Booker and Luka Doncic only rarely crossed paths during their early NBA career. The two prodigies (respectively 25 and 22 years old) faced each other last night for the eighth time only in four seasons, the first and only duel in 2021-2022 since the Slovenian had missed the two meetings in November.
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Statistical machines, the back and the leader did not disappoint Thursday evening on the floor of the Dallas Mavericks, playing a match in the match, won in extremis by the resident of the Phoenix Suns since his franchise won (109 -101), extending his winning streak in the NBA (5 in a row) while further confirming his supremacy in the League (1st with 35 wins).
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13
The Phoenix Suns owe part of their victory to the 13 successful interceptions on the 19 balls lost by the Mavericks. The finalist of the last season was limited to 7 possessions returned.
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If Doncic (28 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists) was more prolific than his rival (28 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists), he was however more clumsy (9 of 23 against 11 of 25) and less cautious in management (8 lost balls against 2), which made the difference in a last quarter dominated by visitors (35-19).
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As if to remind the two talents that the old guard is still capable of making a difference, Chris Paul (20 points, 11 assists, 0 lost ball) was the most prominent player at the end of the match (10 points in the last act). “It’s a team that has been in good shape lately. (4 rank wins), so beating them on their home floor is huge”, appreciated Monty Williams, coach of the Suns.
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Three down for the Knicks
Dirty period at home for the Knicks. Heckled by its public, the interior Julius Randle being the main target of boos, New York lost for the third consecutive time on its floor, against the New Orleans Pelicans (91-102), and gave only too much few encouraging signs to hope for a radical change.
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Still in the game at the break (42-46), Tom Thibodeau’s men completely cracked after the break, conceding a 35-15 that left no doubt about the outcome of the game. More worrying, the reserves (42 points from the bench) did better by bringing their franchise to nine points in the final.
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14
The Knicks grabbed 14 offensive rebounds and largely dominated under the baskets (48 catches to 35), but finished the game with 37.7% shooting success, against 50% for the Pelicans.
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If the pivot Mitchell Robinson (17 points, 15 rebounds) and RJ Barrett (17 points) held their rank for the locals, Randle (4 points to 1 of 9, 7 rebounds, 6 assists), Evan Fournier (6 points to 2 out of 8) and Kemba Walker (5 points to 1 out of 5) were below their level. Opposite, six players – including Josh Hart (17 points, 7 rebounds) and Jonas Valanciunas (18 points, 10 rebounds) – scored at least 11 points.
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With a record of 22 wins for 24 losses, the Knicks are not dropped in the Eastern Conference standings (11th), with only one victory behind the qualifying zone for the preliminary round of play-offs. They would, however, be wise to relaunch on Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers before playing away three times. Thirteenth in the West (17v-28d), the Pelicans are also in the fight as four teams (with Portland, Sacramento and San Antonio) stand in one victory.
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