In the first quarter, New Orleans kept up with the Lakers, but in the second half, the Lakers offense exploded and tied the club record for points in a quarter with 51 points. Among other things, nine triples helped. D’Angelo Russell scored 16 points.
The Lakers thus built a double-digit lead and did not let New Orleans in front of them. Russell, who was speculated to be traded, ended up scoring 30 points. However, all players in the starting lineup had over 20 points. LeBron James added 14 assists to his 21 points.
Boston had unexpected problems with Washington, but despite eventually winning by just four points over the second-worst team in the competition, they were in control of the end. Washington led at halftime, but lost 16-36 in the third quarter to take a double-digit deficit. He tried to erase that in the end and got to four points, but Boston defended the win with free throws. Jayson Tatum contributed 35 points, Kristaps Porzingis added 34 points and 11 rebounds.
Sacramento made us forget the previous unsuccessful performances and completely outplayed the favored Denver when they gradually led by 32 points. Domantas Sabonis contributed 17 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists. It was already the sixteenth triple double of the season for him, putting him in first place in this statistic ahead of today’s opponent, Nikola Jokic. He didn’t even prevent defeat by 23 points.
Charlotte is currently in the worst form in the competition, having lost its tenth game in a row. It fell flat with Milwaukee, losing 84-120. It was already clear at halftime, and in the second half, Milwaukee could save its bases. Damian Lillard still scored 26 points. It was Bucks coach Doc Rivers’ 1,099th career regular-season win, moving him into eighth place on the all-time coaches list ahead of Larry Brown.
“The coach motivated us and we surpassed the opponent with our physicality. He wanted us to show what kind of team we are. That’s how we showed it,” Lillard said. Philadelphia continues to struggle without the injured Joel Embiid, losing to Atlanta 121-127. The new signings Buddy Hield and Cameron Payne didn’t help either, as they each scored 20 points. Trae Young led Atlanta with 37 points and 12 assists.
