Opposed to Dallas, Atlanta won a fourth straight victory thanks to 30 points from Dejounte Murray, but also seven other players who scored 10 or more points. Opposite, the Mavs relied as usual on Luka Doncic (30 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists). Despite the contribution of Spencer Dinwiddie (20 points) and Reggie Bullock (18 points), the Texans could not prevent a third loss in a row.
Miami Heat – New Orleans Pelicans (124-98)
Third in the West, the Pelicans had to give in to Miami thanks to a very clean Bam Adebayo in the game (26 points and 8 rebounds at 11/15 shooting). This victory puts Erik Spoelstra’s men in sixth place in the East, synonymous with direct qualification for the play-offs.
New York Knicks – Washington Wizards (105-116)
New York suffered a second straight defeat against Washington despite Jalen Brunson still prolific offensively (32 points at 11/24 shooting). Tom Thibodeau’s men were – like Julius Randle (14 points, 0/5 at three points) – too clumsy behind the arc (7/26 in total) to hope for another scenario. The Wizards, led by Kyle Kuzma (27 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists), are still vegetating in the soft underbelly in the East and are twelfth.
Oklahoma City Thunder – Indiana Pacers (126-106)
The match opposed two teams currently in the running for the play-in. The ranking between OKC and the Pacers was certainly almost similar in their respective conferences, but Shai-Gilgeous Alexander (23 points) and his team clearly dominated their opponent. Ending the first quarter with a 16-point lead, Oklahoma had a quiet evening. Fullback Isaiah Joe was successful with 23 points and was able to replace his team off the bench. At the Pacers, Buddy Hield’s performance was clearly below his standards. The outside finishing the game with three small points at 1/4 shooting.
