Without being the most difficult match of the season, the reception of Memphis – deprived of several players including Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke or Derrick Rose – constituted an important meeting to negotiate for Cleveland on Wednesday evening. Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers did not miss it, winning against the Grizzlies (110-98) and thus giving themselves a little breathing space in the Eastern Conference, in 4th place, while at the same time, Orlando (5th, 46 wins, 34 losses) fell against stronger, Milwaukee (117-99). Cleveland also ended a series of three consecutive defeats as the play-offs approach (April 20).
Donovan Mitchell’s teammates, however, had to wait until the second half to take control of a match in which they were trailing by three points at halftime (48-51). Limiting the Grizzlies to 39.3 percent shooting, the Cavaliers accelerated in the final 24 minutes, leading by as many as 20 points in the fourth quarter. Mitchell, returned last night after being rested against the Clippers (120-118 defeat), finished with 29 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, posting 9/17 shooting, including 5/10 at 3 points .
The Suns are relaunching
After their defeat against the Clippers at home on Tuesday, the Suns took their revenge last night on the floor of a Los Angeles franchise (124-108) deprived of Leonard, George, Harden and Westbrook. A success acquired in part thanks to a trio in verve, Devin Booker scoring 37 points, Kevin Durant 24 and Bradley Beal 26. This victory leaves Phoenix, currently 7th just behind New Orleans, a chance to overtake the Pelicans and thus qualify directly for the play-offs, two days before the end of the regular season.
If they do not succeed, they will go through the play-offs reserved for teams ranked 7th to 10th place (play-in). But this away victory also has an impact on the other teams, since the Lakers and the Warriors, currently 9th and 10th, are now certain to go through the play-in to hope to reach the play-offs. Their chances of direct qualification were in any case very slim.
Dallas has a meeting with the Clippers in the play-offs
Already assured of competing in the play-offs, Dallas, for its part, consolidated its 5th place in the West by winning its fifth consecutive victory, against the Miami Heat (111-92). Top scorer in the League, Luka Doncic scored 29 points and almost achieved the triple-double (29 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists).
The Mavericks will face the Clippers (4th, with a record of 51 wins and 29 losses) in the first round of the play-offs. For the Heat on the other hand, this defeat almost condemns them to go through the play-in. Jimmy Butler’s teammates had already been there last year before experiencing stunning play-offs: on their way they eliminated the Bucks, then first in the regular season, then the Knicks and the Celtics. They only fell to Denver in the final.
2024-04-11 08:05:31
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