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BasketballAt Christmas, Nikola Jokic and Jayson Tatum did not give gifts
In the NBA, Denver was able to count on Jokic to extinguish the Suns, while Boston and Tatum won the clash at the top against Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks.
Jokic signed a triple-double against Phoenix.
IMAGO/USA TODAY Network
Author of a sparkling match, Nikola Jokic offered a nice Christmas present to the Nuggets, winner of the Suns after extra time (128-125), while Jayson Tatum carried the Celtics against the Bucks (139-118) for a shock at the summit of the Eastern Conference, Sunday in the NBA.
Jokic, double MVP (best player) in title, confirmed his status, by signing against Phoenix a triple-double, with 41 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists, to allow Denver to consolidate their lead at the top of the Western conference. (21 wins, 11 losses).
“It’s nice. It’s just a game,” said the 27-year-old Serb. “Anyone can have a good game.” “We continue to fight. (…) I’m just happy that we won. We are playing really well”, added Jokic, well helped by 28 points from Aaron Gordon and 26 from Jamal Murray, both decisive at the end of the game.
Booker hit again
For Phoenix, star Devin Booker, who was returning from a groin injury, played just four minutes before having to leave the field. Tuesday, the Suns will find the Grizzlies, who lost on the night of Sunday to Monday 123-109 against the Warriors, defending champions but current eleventh.
Without Stephen Curry (shoulder), Jordan Poole led the Warriors in scoring with 32 points. Klay Thompson added 24 points.
It’s always special to play at Christmas, so we just wanted to give our fans a present and walk away with the victory
Tatum, who continues to play at an MVP (best player) level this season, scored 41 points, took 7 rebounds and offered 5 assists for the Celtics, who retain first place in the Eastern Conference (24 wins, 10 losses) .
They are ahead of the Bucks (22 wins, 11 losses), who still have the second best record in the NBA. “It’s one of the best teams in the league, it’s always special to play at Christmas, so we just wanted to give our fans a gift and come away with the victory,” commented Tatum.
Tatum is Antetokounmpo’s salary
As a symbol, Tatum distinguished himself with a “poster dunk” (dunk above an opponent) on double MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (27 pts, 9 rebounds). Jaylen Brown also shone with 29 points. “He was aggressive, he was important when we needed him most,” Tatum said of Brown.
Earlier in the day, the Mavericks beat the LeBron James Lakers 124-115 after a third quarter of anthology. After scoring only 43 points in the first half, the Mavericks sublimated after returning from the locker room, simply by achieving the best quarter of this NBA season, with 51 points.
Dallas star Luka Doncic had 32 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. Christian Wood also distinguished himself with 30 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists.
New record for King James
Despite the loss, star LeBron James, playing his 17th game on Christmas Day, a new NBA record under his belt, carried the Lakers, scoring 38 points. He also took 6 rebounds and offered 5 assists.
Finally, led for most of the game, the Philadelphia Sixers took the lead early in the fourth quarter and eventually won 119-112 against the New York Knicks.
“In the second half, we were more physical,” reacted Joel Embiid (35 pts, 8 rebounds). James Harden scored 29 points and distributed 13 assists. The Sixers, fifth in the Eastern Conference ahead of the Knicks, sign their eighth consecutive victory.
The results of the night
Denver – Phoenix 128 – 125 (a. p.)
Golden State – Memphis 123 – 109
Boston-Milwaukee 139-118
Dallas – LA Lakers 124 – 115
New York-Philadelphia 112-119
(AFP)
