Cleveland, thanks in particular to 40 points from Donovan Mitchell, overthrew Boston (118-114 ap), which again squandered a comfortable lead in the score, Monday in the NBA, where Joel Embiid planted 42 to allow Philadelphia to repel Indiana ( 147-143).
The Celtics (2nd) are currently struggling, even if they are doing everything not to let go. This third setback in a row, the fourth in five games, which resulted in Milwaukee taking the lead in the East, was further proof of this.
Because they have long controlled the debates, counting 15 units in advance in the third quarter, before lowering their feet against the resistance of the Cavs (4th), led by Evan Mobley (25 pts, 16 rebounds, 3 blocks) and Mitchell, persevering (14/34 on shots, 11 rebounds) if not skilful. The point guard made crucial baskets, including this dunk, after a cross dribble, which put his back in the saddle during the “overtime”.
Opposite, Grant Williams (12 pts) will certainly have a nightmare of having missed his two free throws 8/10ths from the end, otherwise Boston would be smiling.
– Feeling tired –
Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics (d) shoots against Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the NBA regular season game between the two teams in Cleveland on March 6, 2023 / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
The absences of Jayson Tatum, Al Horford and Robert Williams III, spared, were also detrimental. The extensions do not succeed for the C’s, already beaten the day before by New York, after two very tiring five extra minutes, and whose record in this area is seven defeats out of eleven disputed, including three against … the Cavs !
Also, despite the solid performance of Jaylen Brown (32 pts, 13 rebounds, 9 assists), last season’s finalist is clearly suffering from fatigue and will have to find a second wind, with a view to the play-offs in five weeks.
His 2nd place is however not yet within reach of the Sixers (3rd), who nibbled away at a victory at Pacers (12th) catchy, like Tyrese Haliburton, untenable (40 pts, 16 assists) in a match where the defenses were in “open door operation” (58% success in shooting from both sides).
Joel Embiid, who doesn’t need that to shine, enjoyed himself (11/16 on shots) while being perfect on free throws (19/19), James Harden brilliant with his altruism (14 pts, 20 assists, 9 rebounds). In their wake, Philly made the difference in the “money-time”, despite 15 pawns from Haliburton in the last two minutes which in vain maintained the suspense.
In Miami, it was the Heat who had the last word against the Hawks (130-128), who nevertheless had a 15-point lead in the first quarter, then carried by Trae Young (25 pts in total) .
– Jokic saves Denver –
But Jimmy Butler (26 pts, 9 rebounds, 9 assists) and a very efficient bench (58 pts) allowed the Florida team to beat their opponent on the post, to the great satisfaction of coach Erik Spoelstra. “Our guys are competitors. They like this kind of game. My stomach is in knots, but these guys love it.”
Miami consolidates its 7th place, that of the first play-off for the play-offs, in front of this direct competitor that is Atlanta (8th).
On a road trip to the West, the Raptors thought they had achieved the big hit of the evening against the Nuggets, leaders of the conference, since they led almost all the way, until Nikola Jokic decided otherwise. , to guide Denver to its fourth straight victory (118-113).
The double MVP (17 pts, 13 rbds, 9 assists) put his people in front with 1 min 15 sec from the end (112-111), before Jamal Murray (24 pts), Michael Porter Jr (20 pts) and Aaron Gordon (19 pts) does not apply free throws to ensure the essentials, despite the threatening Fred VanVleet (21 pts, 14 assists).
Finally, Portland won in Detroit (110-104), thanks to Damian Lillard in triple-double (31 pts, 13 assists, 12 rebounds), to take 11th place from the Lakers, at the gates of the dams.
