Anthony Davis (#3), of the LA Lakers, and Rudy Gobert (#27), of the Minnesota Timberwolves, during an NBA regular season game on April 7, 2024 in Los Angeles (KEVORK DJANSEZIAN)
The Minnesota Timberwolves, in the fight with Denver and Oklahoma City, regained first place in the Western Conference on Sunday, thanks to their victory on the Lakers floor (127-117), one week before the end of the regular season. NBA.
. The Wolves devour the Lakers
Minnesota, which remained on a very poor performance in Phoenix (97-87 defeat), reacted in style in Los Angeles by scoring 127 points, including 46 during the second quarter alone, to win and regain the very throne. disputed in the West.
There are 5 in the Wolves squad to have scored more than 10 points, including Naz Reid (31), the inevitable Anthony Edwards (26) and the French pivot Rudy Gobert, author of a high-end double-double with 18 points and 16 rebounds.
This 54th success of the season (24 defeats) allows the Minneapolis franchise to put pressure on Denver, now 2nd, and Oklahoma City (3rd).
The Lakers, on the other hand, slip to 9th place (45-34) and face the prospect of a play-off match against the Warriors.
. Golden State secures the play-offs
Golden State has indeed ensured its presence in the play-in thanks to its victory against the Jazz (118-110) on Sunday, a seventh success in eight matches which makes it possible to ward off the threat Houston, brought back to its senses in Dallas (147 -136 ap) by Kyrie Irving (48 pts) and Luka Doncic (37).
Without Stephen Curry, rested, it was Klay Thompson who led the charge for the Warriors, scoring 25 of his 32 points in the first period, the Californians leading 68-54 at the break.
While waiting to know if they will face each other in the play-off, Warriors and Lakers meet on Tuesday on the LA field.
. The Clippers consolidate their 4th place
The other Los Angeles team, the Clippers, achieved the comeback of the day by dominating Cleveland 120 to 118 after being led by 26 points.
They owe it in large part to Paul George, who scored 23 of his 39 points in the last quarter, including the decisive shot, followed by a block, as the buzzer approached.
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“It’s a team victory,” soberly commented the 33-year-old winger, who scored all of his free throws (16/16) and also took 11 rebounds.
“I knew we weren’t ourselves… At half-time, I was focused and determined to do whatever it took to win,” he added, while the Clippers were trailing 80-59 at the break.
This victory allows them to stay two wins ahead of 5th, Denver.
. Milwaukee loses again, hot in the East
In the East, the suspense for first place is non-existent, and Boston (1st) even gleaned its 62nd success of the season on Sunday against Portland (124-107).
Behind, however, the fight is hot: martyred by Jalen Brunson (43 pts), Milwaukee (2nd) lost 122-109 its fourth game in a row, against the NY Knicks (4th) who took the opportunity to return to a victory only (47-31 vs 46-32).
Orlando (3rd) also took advantage of the Bucks’ misfortunes, winning at home against Chicago (113-98), just like Philadelphia (7th), which however needed two overtimes (133-126) and 52 points. Tyrese Maxey to overcome Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs (33 pts, 18 rebounds).
Conversely, in addition to Cleveland (5th) beaten by the Clippers, the Heat (8th) made a bad move by losing by nothing (117-115) in Indianapolis against the Pacers, direct rival who occupies 6th and last qualifying place in the play-off.
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2024-04-08 13:33:04
#Minnesota #takes #control #West #sprint
