Los Angeles (AFP) – Close to the triple-double with 39 points, Luka Doncic guided the Mavericks to victory at the struggling Warriors on Saturday in the NBA, the day LeBron James celebrated his 39th birthday with a defeat of the Lakers at Minnesota, leader in the West.
Published on: 12/31/2023 – 12:47 Modified on: 12/31/2023 – 12:45
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. LBJ celebrated, beaten and frustrated
Within a few millimeters, perhaps even less, LeBron James’ shot would have been worth three points and the Lakers would then have equalized at 107-107 three seconds from time. But after watching the video, the referees ruled that his shoe had bitten the line and that the basket was two points. Result: Minnesota remained in front, before its star Anthony Edwards made a free throw to seal the victory for his team 108-106.
Enough to annoy the “King” after the match. “What’s the point of slow motion? What’s the point of slow motion if even slow motion is wrong? Honestly, who’s in that booth running the video? Are there robots making Teslas? What’s the point? -what’s happening? It’s obvious it’s a 3-pointer. My foot is behind the line. You can see the space between the front of my foot and the three-point line… Stevie Wonder can see. I then spoke to a referee. They told me they couldn’t do anything about it, so it was the people in the video booth. Someone there must have been eating a ham sandwich at the moment to make the decision.”
Applauded before kick-off, on his 39th birthday, James did not let up after this match which saw him score 26 points (10/21 on shots, 6 assists), Anthony Davis fulfilling his role on both fronts (33 pts, 17 rebounds, 8 assists). Insufficient, however, against the Wolves carried by Edwards’ 31 points, well supported by Rudy Gobert (13 pts, 13 rebounds).
. . . . Doncic kills the Warriors
To say that he didn’t necessarily have to play… “Luka Magic”, in difficulty with a quadriceps, finally held his place and caused misery (39 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists) to the Golden State defense, which conceded its third loss in a row (132-122).
Luka Doncic and the Mavericks too strong for the Golden State Warriors, December 30, 2023 in San Francisco © Thearon W. Henderson / Getty/AFP
The Slovenian took the opportunity to become the second player in NBA history to average more than 35 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists over a month (10 games minimum), after Oscar Robertson, in December 1960.
Without Kyrie Irving (foot) to support him, his 25 pawns in the second half alone stunned the Warriors who relied in vain on Stephen Curry (25 pts, 7 assists) and Chris Paul (24 pts) again established in a major five again changed by Steve Kerr, who is definitely struggling to find the right formula this season.
. End of the nightmare in Detroit
The historic series of defeats finally stopped at 28 for the Pistons (record equaled with the 76ers in 2014-15 and 2015-16), winners in a landslide (129-127) over Toronto. Their first success since October 28, which brought its share of emotion within the Michigan team. “I’ve been in a lot of locker rooms in my career, but it’s a first for me to feel this type of relief. It’s like thanking God… The guys were screaming, and I had tears in my eyes. eyes. I’m so happy for our guys,” reacted coach Monty Williams.
© 2023 AFP
2023-12-31 13:33:04
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