Despite this victory, the Spurs struggled behind the arc with a weak 22.7% success (10 out of 44). The Texan collective was nevertheless able to count on defensive application and mastery of the game in crucial moments to win on the TD Garden floor.
In another hot NBA issue, Dennis Schröder was suspended for three matches by the league for attempting to hit Luka Doncic on December 28, after a failure by the Slovenian leader during the defeat of the Sacramento Kings against the Los Angeles Lakers (101-125). The sanction is a reminder that off-field behavior is closely monitored, and that the NBA does not hesitate to punish violent actions towards other players.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers continue their winning streak with a second consecutive success, this time on the court of Detroit Pistons (98-92). Trailing for a large part of the match, the Clippers reversed the trend in the final minutes thanks to John Collins (25 pts) et James Harden (19 pts, 7 rebounds, 7 assists). The Pistons, deprived of their leader Cade Cunninghamwere unable to contain the return of the Californians, now confident in their quest to reach the playoffs.
After this series of meetings, San Antonio remains 2nd in the West (27v-12d)while Minnesotavictorious against the Texans on Sunday, is getting dangerously close with 26 victories for 14 defeats. The Clippers, for their part, continue to climb the hierarchy and are getting closer to the play-off places in the West.
The NBA promises to be exciting in the coming weeks, with young talents like Victor Wembanyama who are already making their mark and confirmed players like Dennis Schröder et James Harden always at the center of debate.
