The game: Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers make a strong impression against the Celtics
For the first time since the 2021 playoffs, when the Clippers caused a stir before Kawhi Leonard’s knee injury, the California squad got a taste of their team’s abilities when they’re full and at full strength. Returning intermittently this season, the double NBA champion released a great game against the Celtics and Los Angeles won a prestigious success (113-93) against the highest ranked formation in the league.
Leonard was at the heart of this victory by compiling 25 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in just 29 minutes. In his wake, the Californians dominated the game from start to finish. They were ahead at half-time (+9), they resisted the accelerations of Jayson Tatum (20 points) and Jaylen Brown (21) on the way back from the locker room to finally widen the gap by passing a 7-0 at the end of the third quarter.
Paul George also held his ground by scoring 26 points in his role as the luxury second option. Overall, it was all the Los Angeles players who contributed to this success by getting the upper hand over a Boston squad that was also very deep. This victory – and the way! – tends to remind us that the Clippers can aim very high if their best players remain healthy at the time of the playoffs.
The player: Damian Lillard lights up the Timberwolves
Third game in a row with 35 points or more for Damian Lillard. Already author of 40 points against Denver then 36 points against Minnesota, the All-Star point guard made the Wolves defense suffer again by scoring 38 units this time for an easy victory for the Timberwolves (133-112). Rudy Gobert and his partners still left far too much space for opposing shooters. Lillard took the opportunity to plant 11 three-pointers in 17 attempts. A personal record equaled. And all that in 29 minutes, as a boss.
The duel: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a hit but Luka Doncic takes over
Revelation of this beginning of the season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plays eye to eye with the biggest stars of this league. Because he is now part of the gratin. Opposed to Luka Doncic, the young Canadian again made a strong impression by matching his best performance of the year with 42 points scored against the Mavericks. But it is still the Slovenian who left with the victory (121-114). He scored 38 points while adding 11 rebounds and 8 assists.
Led by “SGA”, the Thunder recovered from a 15-point deficit to recover to 119-114 with 28 seconds remaining. Reggie Bullock carried the thrust on the free throw line in stride. In the end, Doncic was better supported with 20 points each for Spencer Dinwiddie and Tim Hardaway Jr.
The duo: Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, winning tandem
After the storm, finally calm and serenity for the Nets. And even victories. They won a fourth place by beating the Wizards last night (112-100). Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving led the way with 30 and 24 points respectively. Brooklyn now has a record well over 50%: 17 wins and 12 losses. The New York franchise is fourth in the East but is also getting closer to the podium.
Performance: Jimmy Butler scores 7 points in 1 minute to save Miami
The Heat were beaten by the Pacers last night. But the Floridians ended up winning on the wire (87-82) and they can thank Jimmy Butler. Their best player once again took the game in hand in the money time. Indiana had just come back to 77-75 when the All-Star guard scored 7 straight points in 45 seconds. He finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Bam Adebayo compiled 22 points and 17 rebounds.
The action: Keldon Johnson offers victory to Spurs with … a decisive counter
A defensive action for the win, that changes!
The French: A great Rudy Gobert was not enough
Much more comfortable in the racket in the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert still posted a strong double-double: 16 points and 20 rebounds. But the Timberwolves still took a slap against the Trail Blazers. A solid performance also for Nicolas Batum, who finished with 7 points and 7 rebounds off the bench. Except that he was able to savor the Clippers’ victory against the Celtics.
All scores
Pacers – Heat : 82-87
Wizards – Nets : 100-112
Grizzlies – Hawks : 128-103
Mavericks – Thunder : 121-114
Spurs – Cavaliers : 112-111
Trail Blazers – Timberwolves : 133-112
Clippers – Celtics : 113-93
Embiid still over 50 points: his big card against the Hornets
YESTERDAY AT 06:22
