The number: 50
“At this stage of the season, reaching 50 wins means we are doing things well. But the scariest thing is that we can still be better,” summarized Jayson Tatum after Boston’s success on the Portland floor Monday evening (121-99). Large leaders of the Eastern Conference and already qualified in the play-offs, the Celtics became the first NBA team to accumulate 50 victories this season.
A milestone passed without Jrue Holiday or Kristaps Porzingis, absent due to injuries, but with 53 combined points from the Tatum-Jaylen Brown duo. Boston is eight wins ahead of Milwaukee in the East and five ahead of Oklahoma City and Denver in the race for the best record of the season in all Conferences, which would ensure home field advantage throughout the play-offs.
The French of the night: Fournier victorious, Rupert little used
Far from Boston, the duel continues between Detroit and Washington for last place in the Eastern Conference. After the Wizards’ two consecutive successes, the Pistons responded last night by winning against Charlotte (114-97). Still coming off the bench, Evan Fournier spent 11 minutes on the floor for 3 points (1 of 4 shooting), 2 assists and 2 interceptions. The former captain of the France team during Euro 2022 is taking advantage of the absence of Ausar Thompson while Quentin Grimes, back after 10 days of absence, was used for 21 minutes by Monty Williams . Another Frenchman was on the floor Monday evening. But Rayan Rupert (1 assist) had to wait until the last two minutes to finally take the floor with Portland against Boston (99-121).
The performance: Luka Doncic
Eighth in the Western Conference, Dallas is still clinging to the top 6, synonymous with direct qualification for the play-offs. The Mavericks can thank Luka Doncic, still irresistible Monday evening in Chicago (127-92). The leader signed a 7th consecutive triple-double (27 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists) despite poor shooting skills (9 out of 23). Arriving in Texas during the trade deadline, pivot Daniel Gafford continues to feast on Slovenian caviars and remains on an incredible series of 28 successful shots in a row. Before leaving in the middle of the fourth quarter, Doncic rewarded the United Center with several three-point shots after no step back, his special, to kill the match (102-65, 39th).
The winning comeback: Devin Booker with Phoenix
On the sidelines for four matches after a sprained right ankle, Devin Booker signed a winning comeback for Phoenix in Cleveland (117-111). “We have the chance to become an elite team with [le trio Kevin Durant – Bradley Beal – Booker]. It’s good to have them all back. These kinds of matches can become difficult, but we were able to see all the work that Devin (Booker) did during his absence, he produced a great performance (27 points),” praised coach Frank Vogel. The back put Phoenix in the lead with seven minutes to play (106-104, 41st) before Kevin Durant (37 points) scored the Suns’ last three-point basket (113-107, 45th). The Arizona franchise is sixth in the West while Cleveland remains third in the East.
2024-03-12 07:34:35
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