NBA: Penda, Sarr & Raynaud Shine – French Players Excel

The match: Houston takes its revenge on Denver

Beaten in their last duel with the Nuggets, the Rockets reset the counters by winning in Denver (101-115) by dominating Nikola Jokic and his teammates. The Texan franchise even ended the series of 6 consecutive victories of its evening opponent. The match was particularly contested for three quarters before a big heat from Reed Sheppard. Houston’s replacement leader scored the last 11 points of the third quarter to give his team a 16-point lead (66-82). He finished with 28 units and 6 winning baskets in total.

The Rockets were particularly adept behind the arc, where they converted 19 of their 35 attempts. Kevin Durant planted 5 (of 6) and scored 31 points. The Nuggets’ attack suffered against the physical defense of Ime Udoka’s players and only Jokic survived (25 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists).

The player: Curry revives the Warriors

Golden State returns to victory after 3 defeats in a row. The Warriors took their revenge on the Suns (119-116) by riding on the performance of Stephen Curry. The franchise icon took charge by scoring 14 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter. Devin Booker scored 38 points for Phoenix but the Californians found the resources to win despite the All-Star guard’s card and despite the expulsion of Draymond Green.

The latter was sent back to the locker room after receiving two quick technical fouls. The first for pushing Collin Gillespie in the back and the second for continually complaining about the refereeing.

Performance: Maxey signs 38 points against Dallas

The Sixers scored a sixth victory in eight games by defeating the Mavericks (121-114) thanks in particular to Tyrese Maxey’s 38 points. The two teams were tied at 104 with just under 9 minutes to go before the buzzer. Maxey then scored 7 of 11 consecutive points scored by Philadelphia to break away. The meeting also pitted two of the best rookies in the league against each other: Cooper Flagg finished with 24 points for Dallas while VJ Edgecombe, drafted two ranks behind him last June, contributed to the Sixers’ success by scoring 26 points.

The series: Fourth victory in a row for the Pelicans

New Orleans raises its head when no one believed it anymore. Winners of only 3 of their first 25 matches, the Pelicans have just won 4 consecutively. The latest dates back to Saturday evening with a victory against the Pacers (128-109) in the wake of Zion Williamson’s 29 points coming off the bench. Rookie Derik Queen added 17 points on 8 of 8 shooting with 10 rebounds and 4 assists.

The French: Penda decisive for the Magic!

Orlando had all the trouble in the world to get rid of Utah in Salt Lake City last night. The Magic finally beat the Jazz after overtime (127-128) with 32 points from Desmond Bane, author of the game winner at the buzzer after some completely crazy last seconds. Noah Penda established himself as one of the strong men of the Florida franchise during the meeting, and particularly in the most contested moments. The young Frenchman was very solid on rebounds (12 catches) and serious throughout his game. His presence had an impact on both sides of the floor when it mattered most for Orlando. He compiled 13 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in total.

Another strong double-double, this time for Alex Sarr, author of 18 points and 11 rebounds during the Wizards’ victory on the Grizzlies floor (122-130). He notably planted a decisive three-point basket to give Washington the advantage (119-121) with just over 2 minutes remaining. Memphis never came back after that. Double-double also for Maxime Raynaud, but in defeat. The young pivot accumulated 17 points and 12 rebounds but Sacramento lost again against Portland and Sidy Cissoko (1 point).

Tidjane Salaün scored 8 points during the Hornets’ heavy defeat against the Pistons. His teammate Moussa Diabaté finished with 3 rebounds.

All scores

Nuggets – Rockets : 101-115
Sixers – Mavericks : 121-114
Raptors – Celtics : 96-112
Pelicans – Pacers : 128-109
Pistons – Hornets : 112-86
Wizards – Grizzlies : 130-122
Warriors – Suns : 119-116
Kings – Trail Blazers : 93-98
Jazz – Magic : 127-128