(ANSA) – LOS ANGELES, FEBRUARY 02 – The Celtics, leader of the Eastern Conference, swept (139-96) the Nets, while Damian Lillard once again distinguished himself with 42 points in Portland’s victory in Memphis (122-112 ). In TD Garden at the end of the first quarter, Boston was already ahead 46-16, with Jayson Tatum scoring 18 of his final 31 points (+9 rebounds). The Celtics’ lead reached a high of +49 in the final quarter, contributed by Jaylen Brown (26 points) and Robert Williams III (16, 9 rebounds). In the ranks of Brooklyn, totally overwhelmed on defense due to the absence of Kevin Durant, but also of Ben Simmons and TJ Warren (all injured), Kyrie Irving scored 20 points.
In Philadelphia, where, 48 hours earlier, Orlando had played a bad joke on them, the Sixers (third) took their revenge (105-94). In the fourth quarter, James Harden (25 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds) had to take responsibility on offense, because excellent up to that moment Joel Embiid (28 points, 11 rebounds) suddenly disappeared, not scoring points in the last 12 minutes. For the Magic Paolo Banchero, who shone on Monday (29 points), was contained this time (13 points, 9 rebounds).
In Portland-Memphis it was Lillard (also 10 assists, 8 rebounds) who dominated. Facing the Blazers star, Ja Morant came close to a triple double (32 points, 12 assists, 9 rebounds). Despite this sixth setback in seven games, the Grizzlies maintain their second position, ahead of Sacramento, which inflicted a sixth consecutive loss (119-109) in San Antonio.
Minnesota managed a strong comeback at home against the Warriors, who had a 14-point lead with 11 minutes left, winning after overtime (119-114). The Timberwolves, without Rudy Gobert (still struggling with a pain in his right groin) owe the victory to D’Angelo Russell, author of 14 points in three minutes (29 in total) in the last quarter. For Golden State, Stephen Curry was prolific (29 points, 10 rebounds) but missed the game-winning shot three seconds from the buzzer. Result, the Warriors give sixth place to Minnesota, but remain ahead of the Suns (eighth) beaten in Phoenix by the Atlanta Hawks (132-100). (HANDLE).
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