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Brooklyn won in New Orleans in Charlotte against the Hornets on Tuesday in the NBA. Fifth game at 50 or more points for the Nets point guard.
Terry Rozier (right) is helpless: Kyrie Irving (left) was unstoppable Tuesday night.
AFP
Carried by an XXL performance from their leader Kyrie Irving, author of 50 points, the Nets ended, Tuesday evening, in the NBA to a series of four consecutive defeats, winning 132-121 in Charlotte against the Hornets.
The fifth game at 50 points or more of Kyrie Irving’s career allows the Nets to return to a balanced record (33 v. – 33 d.) and to cling to 8th place in the Eastern Conference, synonymous with a ticket to the “play-in”, a system of accession play-offs – however far from the expectations placed in the team at the start of the season.
“We started the match with great determination, an excellent game plan and we played aggressively throughout the game. That’s what gives pleasure. We really wanted to impose our mark early in the game, and that’s what we did tonight, “commented Irving, author of an excellent 15/19 shooting, including 9/12 from three points. At his side, Kevin Durant was more discreet, with 14 points, and Andre Drummond scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.
Next up for the Nets: Thursday’s reunion with James Harden, who traded to the Philadelphia Sixers in January. “It’s going to be a strange feeling to play against him so soon after this transfer, but it will be a great night for everyone,” predicted New York coach Steve Nash.
Garland is strong for the ‘Cavs’
Another big team in the East, Milwaukee for its part went to win 142-115 in Oklahoma City, thanks in particular to 39 points from its “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo, chaining a 5th success in a row which allows it to stay 3rd in a close Conference.
In Indianapolis, the Cleveland Cavaliers for their part relied on their leader Darius Garland, author of 41 points – his best total in career – and 13 assists, to win 127-124. With a record of 38 v. – 27 d., the Cavs remain solid 6th, the last place offering direct qualification for the play-offs.
Leaders win in the West
On the Western Conference side, the three leaders imitated the Nets and tasted victory again on Tuesday. Still without Chris Paul (injured) and Devin Booker (Covid protocol), the Phoenix Suns rebounded from their Sunday loss to the Bucks and beat the Magic in Orlando 102-99, thanks in particular to 21 points and 19 rebounds from their pivot Deandre Ayton.
Second in the Conference, and defeated in Houston on Sunday, the Grizzlies have meanwhile dismissed the New Orleans Pelicans 132-111 at home, with 24 points from their star Ja Morant. Finally, the Golden State Warriors, struggling in particular since the injury of Draymond Green, absent since the beginning of January, ended a series of five consecutive defeats by beating the Los Angeles Clippers 112-97 at home, with 20 points from Klay Thompson and 15 from Stephen Curry (1/6 to 3 points only).
NBA. Tuesday matches: Golden State – LA Clippers 112–97. Oklahoma City – Milwaukee 115–142. Charlotte – Brooklyn 121–132. Indiana – Cleveland 124–127. Orlando – Phoenix 99–102. Memphis – La Nouvelle-Orleans 132–111.
