Man of the Night: Joel Embiid in 76ers History
Eighth consecutive victory for the 76ers who, although deprived of injured James Harden, consolidate their second place in the East. The teammates of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, 31 points each, clearly dominated the Pacers in Indianapolis (141-121).
Embiid, also author of 7 assists and 7 rebounds, managed his ninth game in a row with 30 points or more, broken franchise record (Allen Iverson and Wilt Chamberlain had stopped at eight). He is the first pivot to do so since Shaquille O’Neal in the 2000-2001 season.
The altercation of the night: Thompson responds to Brooks’ chambering
Jaren Jackson Jr was a man on a mission that night in Memphis. 31 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 blocks: JJJ actively participated in the victory of the Grizzlies, well led by their leader Tyus Jones (14 assists, no lost ball), against Golden State (133-119). On the other side, Stephen Curry remained discreet (16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists).
Deprived of Ja Morant, suspended eight games for “harmful conduct” after being seen brandishing a firearm in a video that caused controversy in the United States, Memphis won its fourth game of its last five outings. At the end of the game, Dillon Brooks would have allowed himself to say to Klay Thompson: « You suck ! » (“You suck! ») What the latter (14 points at 8/26 shooting) responded by reminding him that he has four NBA champion rings.
The action of the night: Walker Kessler’s block
Led by 19 points in the middle of the second quarter, the Jazz overthrew Boston in Utah (118-117) thanks, in particular, to the defensive action of Walker Kessler at the buzzer, a block on Grant Williams on an action which should have result in a shot of Jayson Tatum. ” I do not blame him, assured the latter. If he had, everyone would be happy. It is not on this last action that we lose the match. »
“I figured he was going to fake it so I stayed low on my feet and tried to get the best timing possible to get my hands on the ball.”explained Kessler after a match marked by 28 points from Lauri Markkanen.
