NBA – Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis wear Los Angeles Lakers, Evan Fournier and New York Knicks treat

The match: Russell Westbrook lets go without LeBron, the Lakers continue

The Lakers learned hours before the game that LeBron James would be unavailable due to ankle pain. But with their workforce, the Californians have enough to temporarily compensate for the absence of the King. With in particular another former MVP, Russell Westbrook. Not quite comfortable in his new role since arriving in Los Angeles, where he spends more time without the ball, the All-Star point guard shone to lead his team to a second straight victory. The Lakers beat the Spurs in overtime (125-121) spurred on by 33 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. He was notably much more aggressive (27 shots) by having increased responsibilities in attack.

The Angelenos came back from afar to win. They were 12 points behind at the start of the fourth quarter (85-97) following 18-3 passed by San Antonio with in particular 3 consecutive three-point baskets from Lonnie Walker IV. But Westbrook and especially Anthony Davis, dominant in the paint, brought their team back, even though they missed the opportunity to win in extra time. They caught up in overtime. The two Lakers stars compiled 10 of LA’s 11 points to finally defeat the Spurs.

Davis also had his best game of the season. He scored 35 points while taking 17 rebounds. Opposite, Dejounte Murray finished in triple-double with 21 points, 12 rebounds and 15 assists. With this success, the Lakers find a balanced record (2-2) and should quickly recover LeBron James.

The player: Evan Fournier crucial for the Knicks

After beating Boston at Madison Square Garden a week ago, the Knicks offered themselves to the Sixers on Tuesday night. Another convincing victory (112-99), the third in four games, to end a 15-game losing streak against the Pennsylvania team. Evan Fournier contributed to this success by scoring 18 points to 6 out of 10 on shots, including 4 award-winning baskets. Only Kemba Walker scored more than him (19 points) for New York.

The two backs were the centerpieces of the Knicks, alternating creation and distant bombs. “They have a much better team in attack because they have more skillful players and playmakers [que l’an dernier]. Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier aren’t just scorers. They are also designers ball in hand “, confesses Doc Rivers, the defeated coach. In addition to his 18 points, the French back added 4 assists. So far, his Knicks debut is going well.

The shock: Utah takes over Denver

The Jazz won their third straight game by beating the Nuggets (122-106) who found themselves without Nikola Jokic in the second half. The All-Star pivot hurt his knee while defending on Rudy Gobert. His team obviously did not want to take any risks. Denver held up for a quarter, the third, concluded with a small point behind (91-90). But Mike Malone’s players ended up cracking in front of Donovan Mitchell (22 points), Jordan Clarkson (19) and Rudy Gobert (23).

The team: The Warriors remain unbeaten

Stephen Curry and the Warriors are back on top of the Western Conference. At least after a week of competition. The 2015, 2017 and 2018 champions notched yet another victory – the fourth in a row – by beating the Thunder last night (106-98). They therefore remain undefeated. Curry scored 23 points. 21 for Andrew Wiggins and 20 for Damion Lee off the bench. The trio thus resisted the 30 points of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

But the Warriors still suffered, including showing clumsiness in the first half. They were 12 points behind at the break before recovering and then passing in front at the end of the third quarter. But in the end, they provided the essentials with this fourth victory. It’s even the best start to the franchise since 2016.

Image: Immanuel Quickley places devastating crossover

His opponent lost his balance to end up on the floor of Madison Square Garden.

The French: Rudy Gobert very productive

The evening started badly for Rudy Gobert. The French initially suffered while defending on Nikola Jokic. The Serbian MVP put him 48 points in the face last season and he was already at 24 at the break on Tuesday night. Except that he did not come back into play.

The pivot of the Nuggets hurt his knee after contact with Gobert precisely. Its release left the field open to the interior of Jazz. He dominated in the paint to allow Utah to finally take off against Denver (122-106). With a double-double at stake: 23 points and 16 rebounds at 7 of 8 on shots. With the only snag his missed throws (9 of 16).

Aligned for 24 minutes against the Warriors, Theo Maledon finished with 3 points and 2 assists without really finding the target (1 of 5).

The results of the night

Knicks – Sixers : 112-99
Thunder – Warriors : 98-106
Mavericks – Rockets : 116-106
Spurs – Lakers : 121-125
Jazz – Nuggets : 122-106