Aurélie SACCHELLI, Media365, published on Monday December 12, 2022 at 08:02
Two days after beating Phoenix, New Orleans once again dominated the Suns (after overtime) and established itself as the boss of the West. In the East, Milwaukee ended their winning streak by losing to Houston, while Joel Embiid scored 53 points in Philadelphia’s win over Charlotte.
Who’s the boss in the West? It’s New Orleans! Less than 48 hours after beating Phoenix 128-117 in a game between the leader and the former Conference leader, the Pelicans did it again on Sunday, winning 129-124 after overtime to sign a seventh straight victory. In this game, which lacked Brandon Ingram on one side and Devin Booker on the other, the Suns generally dominated the first half and the Pelicans the second. But the score was 113-113 with 1’148 remaining, then New Orleans took control, before Chris Paul snatched overtime (117-117) four seconds from the buzzer. An extension where the Suns led 120-119 thanks to Torrey Craig, before cashing in at 10-0 which proved to be crippling. Zion Williamson was the great architect of this success, with his 35 points and 8 rebounds, well helped by a CJ McCollum with 29 points and 7 assists. The 28 points and 12 rebounds from Deandre Ayton and 27 points from Mikal Bridges were not enough for the Suns, who signed a fourth straight loss. We will have to resume Tuesday in Houston.
The Rockets’ big shot
The Rockets, precisely, left the place of red lantern (left in San Antonio) by offering Milwaukee (97-92). A victory that they dedicated to their coach Stephen Silas, who lost his father Paul (three-time NBA champion with Boston and Seattle in the 1970s) during the day, and who was replaced on the bench by John Lucas. Neither team led by more than ten points during this meeting, and it was Milwaukee who was ahead with 2’45 remaining (90-89). But the Rockets made the difference on free throws in the money-time and Jalen Green finished with 30 points (16pts and 18rbds for Giannis Antetokounmpo). The Bucks remain second in the East, two wins behind Boston.
Embiid a little more in 76ers history
The big performance of the night is to be put to the credit of Joel Embiid, who offered his second game to more than 50 points of the season. The Franco-American-Cameroonian pivot scored 53 points in Philadelphia’s 131-113 victory over Charlotte, 20 out of 32 in shots (2/3 to 3pts) and 11 out of 11 in free throws. Led for the first quarter of an hour, the 76ers then rolled out their basketball, in the wake of a burning Embiid, who becomes the third player in the franchise to sign at least two 50-point games in the same season, after Allen Iverson and Wilt Chamberlain. James Harden meanwhile scored 19 points and delivered 16 assists, and Philadelphia is now fifth. Also note this Sunday the Lakers 117-124 victory in Detroit by leading from start to finish, with 34 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists from Anthony Davis.
NBA / REGULAR SEASON
Sunday, December 11, 2022
Detroit Pistons – Los Angeles Lakers : 117-124
Stats of Killian Hayes (DET): 25 minutes of play, 5 points (2/6 on shots including 2/2 at 3pts, 0 free throws attempted), 3 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 interception, 2 lost balls, 2 fouls
New York Knicks – Sacramento Kings : 112-99
Evan Fournier (NYK) did not play, by decision of the coach
Philadelphia 76ers – Charlotte Hornets : 131-113
Stats of Théo Maledon (CHA): 16 minutes of play, 9 points (1/5 on shots including 1/2 to 3pts, 6/6 on free throws), 1 assist, 1 interception, 1 lost ball
Atlanta Hawks – Chicago Bulls : 123-122 ap
Houston Rockets – Milwaukee Bucks : 97-92
New Orleans Pelicans – Phoenix Suns : 129-124 ap
Orlando Magic – Toronto Raptors : 111-99
