The perf: Minnesota wins in Sacramento
The Minnesota Timberwolves continued their winning streak (four now), after winning at the Sacramento Kings (119-115), third in the Western Conference. The Minneapolis franchise, which was playing without Karl-Anthony Towns, left to rest, had gotten off to a good start (34-21, 10th), but the gap then narrowed. At the end of the match, the “Wolves” again took their distance (114-104, 44th) and were able to contain their opponent. Seven Minnesota players passed the ten-point mark, including Jaden McDaniels (20 pts) and Rudy Gobert (16 pts, 16 rebounds).
The (end of) series: Dallas finally victorious
The Dallas Mavericks remained on four consecutive defeats. But on Monday they clearly imposed themselves on the floor of the Indiana Pacers (127-104). The latter, however, had several absentees to deplore (Hield, Duarte, Haliburton, Turner). The “Mavs” won thanks to Luka Doncic (25 pts) and Jaden Hardy, author of 20 points off the bench and in 24 minutes. Indiana is now three straight losses. Another current series: that of New Orleans, victorious in Portland (124-90). The Pelicans now have five straight wins.
The player: 40 points for Quickley
The New York Knicks easily beat the Houston Rockets (137-115), the worst team in the Western Conference. And Immanuel Quickley, the back of the New York franchise, shone, scoring 40 points (14/18 in the shoot including 5/7 at three points), the best performance of his career. Julius Randle also stood out in the ranks of the Knicks, with his 26 points.
The team: Milwaukee wins without Antetokounmpo and Holiday
Certainly opposite, it was the Detroit Pistons, the worst NBA team of the season (only 21.3% of its matches won). But the Milwaukee Bucks, No. 1 in the Eastern Conference and the regular season, moved to Michigan being deprived of Giannis Antetokounmpo (hit in a knee) and Jrue Holiday (personal reasons). The Bucks won (126-117), carried by Khris Middleton (34 pts) and Brook Lopez (24 pts, 14 rebounds). On the Pistons side, Killian Hayes scored 14 points and is gradually approaching the 10 points per game mark (9.8) in the regular season (6.2 assists per game)
