NBA – Ja Morant (41 points) dismantles the Lakers despite a good LeBron James

The game: Ja Morant again leads the Lakers

Barely relaunched, and already returned to the mat. Just out of a five-game losing streak, the Lakers lost again last night, this time against the Grizzlies (99-104). Their sixth defeat in seven matches therefore. It must be said that LeBron James (37 points – and 37 years old today) and his partners faced a great Ja Morant. The young Memphis point guard scored 41 points as he consistently outperformed the Los Angeles defense. He was also particularly skillful behind the arc (6 of 7 at three points).

Yet the Angelinos have long held out. 6 points ahead at the break, then even 14 during the third quarter (80-66) thanks in particular to 3 of the 8 winning baskets scored by James on Wednesday night. Morant and his family then sounded the revolt to return to 5 lengths before accelerating in the last 12 minutes. These are in particular two exterior shots of the hero of the evening which widened the gap in favor of the Grizzlies (99-92). Russell Westbrook had a chance to bring the Lakers back to two points with two minutes remaining but missed a crucial layup. The veteran finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists, but 7 of 16 on shots. While losing 5 balls and leaving Morant to martyr the California defense.

An XXL performance for the young man, a potential All-Star this season. His team is running well, unlike his evening opponents, and the Tennessee franchise occupies a nice fourth place in the West. Four rows in front of LA

The series: 5 out of 5 for the Bulls

And five. The Bulls have indeed resumed their march forward after being damaged by the Covid-19. The Illinois franchise confirmed its current good form by going for a fifth straight win on Wednesday night. Chicago beat an even smaller Atlanta team, 131-117, with a great showing from their major five. 25 points for Zach LaVine, 20 points and 8 assists for DeMar DeRozan, 16 points and 20 rebounds for Nikola Vucevic or 17 points and 12 assists for Coby White. The Bulls are second in the East.

Player: Devin Booker lights the Thunder

The Suns came back up to the Warriors at the top of the Western Conference. Both teams now have the same record (27-7) after Phoenix’s victory over Oklahoma City (115-97) on Wednesday. A success marked by the offensive card of Devin Booker. The All-Star full-back scored 38 points while taking 7 rebounds and distributing 5 assists. His third outing at 30 units or more in the last 4 outings.

The stat: 4 out of 42

Four three-point baskets scored in 42 attempts. The Celtics have been historically bad behind the arc in their loss – the third in a row – against the Clippers on Wednesday night (82-91). This is the second worst performance ever for a team that shoots 40 or more from distance. Boston notably swayed in the fourth quarter (1 of 18 !!!!), thus letting the Californians win. A terrible clumsiness. Jaylen Brown still found a way to score 30 points but 1 in 13 behind the arc. Al Horford scored 0 of 7.

Performance: Career record tied for Alec Burks

34 points for Alec Burks and another victory for the Knicks (94-85 against the Pistons). New Yorkers are ninth in the East.

The French: Rudy Gobert still in double-double, three Blues together in the Thunder

It becomes so banal for Rudy Gobert. And yet, it is strong. The Jazz hub compiled his 28th triple-double in 30 games, slamming 22 points and 14 rebounds against the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. As usual, he hardly missed any shots (8 out of 10), although he was a little more clumsy on the free throw line (6 out of 12). The All-Star interior took control of the paint again and its presence proved crucial for Utah. Like every night.

Holder with Dallas, Frank Ntilikina could not prevent the defeat of his family despite 9 points and 3 rebounds. Little success on penalties for Killian Tillie, who did not convert any of his 4 attempts but still caught 6 rebounds in 20 minutes as the first indoor rotation in Memphis’ victory against Los Angeles.

The beautiful story of the night is on the side of Oklahoma City, where three French players played together late in the game, a first since the trio Tony Parker – Boris Diaw – Nando de Colo at the San Anbtonio Spurs in 2012. 4 points and 4 rebounds for Théo Maledon, Olivier Sarr and Jaylen Hoard, just called up by the franchise for a ten-day contract, only played 2 minutes.

Image: Zach LaVine gives himself a little 3-6

Always very spectacular.

The basket: Chimezie Metu for the win!

The Kings defeated the Mavericks at the buzzer (95-94) thanks to Chimezie Metu, at three points.

The results of the night in the NBA

Pistons – Knicks : 85-94
Pacers – Hornets : 108-116
Celtics – Clippers : 82-91
Bulls – Hawks : 130-117
Grizzlies – Lakers : 104-99
Suns – Thunder : 115-97
Trail Blazers – Jazz : 105-120
Kings – Mavericks : 95-94