Los Angeles (AFP) – With an involuntary help from Rudy Gobert, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday and dislodged them from the lead of the Western Conference, on a day in which the Mexican-American Jaime Jáquez Jr. shone in a Miami defeat.
First modification: 03/09/2024 – 07:07 Last modification: 03/09/2024 – 07:05
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The Cavs, who came from 22 points down in the fourth quarter against the Celtics on Tuesday, overcame the losses of their starters Donovan Mitchel, Evan Mobley and Max Strus to beat Minnesota in overtime 113-104.
Point guard Darius Garland, with 34 points, and center Jarrett Allen, with 33 and 18 rebounds, led the Cavaliers in a victory facilitated by an error by Frenchman Gobert.
The experienced center committed an offensive foul with 27 seconds left in the fourth quarter and, upset by the decision, responded by rubbing his fingers as a “money” gesture in front of the referees, which cost him a technical foul.
Garland scored the free throw and forced overtime, in which Minnesota won with a dominant Allen.
After the game, Gobert said his reaction was “the truth,” but admitted it was an ill-advised gesture.
“It cost my team the game,” he acknowledged. “It was an immature reaction. It’s not just a (refereeing) decision. Everyone makes mistakes, but when it happens over and over again, of course it’s frustrating.”
Micah Nori, who replaced Minnesota head coach Chris Finch after feeling unwell before the game, called Gobert’s actions at a crucial moment in the game “unacceptable.”
“That’s Rudy, but you have to be smart,” Nori said. “Obviously I was frustrated, both teams were, but we have to be smarter.”
Naz Reid scored 34 points for Minnesota and Anthony Edwards, the team’s leader after Karl-Anthony Towns’ injury, scored 19 but none of them in the fourth quarter or overtime.
The defeat allowed the Timberwolves to be ousted from the top of the West by the Oklahoma City Thunder, who beat the Miami Heat 107-100.
Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the favorites for the MVP award, scored 37 points for Oklahoma and Jáquez Jr. was the leading scorer for Miami with 25 points off the bench.
Lakers win without LeBron
In one of the last games, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to beat Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks 123-122 despite the loss of LeBron James.
D’Angelo Russell, of the Lakers, celebrates a basket in the victory against the Bucks. © Sean M. Haffey / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
The 39-year-old forward was reserved due to a left ankle problem that already prevented him from finishing the last game against the Kings.
The absolute star of the duel was D’Angelo Russell, who had his best performance since his arrival in Los Angeles with 44 points, 9 assists and 9 triples.
The point guard once again exposed the problems of the Bucks’ outside defense since the departure of Jrue Holiday in an exchange for Damian Lillard.
After several impossible baskets, Russell culminated his exhibition by scoring 21 of the Lakers’ 27 points in the fourth quarter, including a mid-range shot that put the final score with 6 seconds left.
In the last action, Spencer Dinwiddie blocked Lillard’s shot, unleashing the joy of the Los Angeles public.
Lillard finished with 28 points and, with his 4 triples, moved into fourth place in history in three-pointers made, surpassing Reggie Miller.
Antetokounmpo, on his side, sealed a triple double with 34 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists.
— Friday’s NBA results:
Philadelphia 76ers – New Orleans Pelicans 95-103
Washington Wizards – Charlotte Hornets 112-100
NY Knicks – Orlando Magic 98-74
Cleveland Cavaliers – Minnesota Timberwolves 113-104 (overtime)
Memphis Grizzlies – Atlanta Hawks 92-00
Oklahoma City Thunder – Miami Heat 107-100
LA Lakers – Milwaukee Bucks 122-123
Portland Trail Blazers – Houston Rockets 107-123
© 2024 AFP
2024-03-09 06:07:08
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