ROME (ITALPRESS) – Detroit sprinted to victory on Italian night of the NBA regular-season. In front of nearly 18,000 spectators at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, the Pistons defeated the Kings 114-113, taking advantage of Cunningham’s scoring streak, a top-scorer with 33 points against local idol Fox’s 26; also contributing to the Michigan franchise’s success was Italian Simone Fontecchio, who had 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 14 minutes of work. Oklahoma City doesn’t stop anymore: on the Indiana Pacers’ court, the Thunder pass 120-114 bringing the streak of consecutive successes to nine. Much credit for the feat goes to Canadian Gilgeous-Alexander, who equaled his career best (45 points) and won the close duel with compatriot Nembhard (23). Without its stars Antetokounmpo and Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks succumbed on friendly turf to the Brooklyn Nets, who celebrated 111-105 by virtue of the ‘hot hand’ of Johnson, who was able to contribute 29 points to the cause. Miami and Portland also scored late victories: the Heat defeated the Orlando Magic 89-88 although Suggs ended his night with 29 points; the Blazers got the better of the Utah Jazz 122-120 with 27 points apiece from Avdija and Sharpe. Painful victory also for the Washington Wizards, who manage to impose themselves on the Charlotte Hornets 113-110 despite the 31 points strung between the guests by an inspired Ball. Memphis avalanche against Toronto: at the home facility, the Grizzlies overwhelmed the Raptors 155-126 with 21 points from Edey and Jackson (but Barrett and Barnes, among the Canadians, scored 27 and 26, respectively). Less obvious was the Atlanta Hawks’ success over the Chicago Bulls (141-133), while the Houston Rocktes violated the New Orleans Pelicans’ court 128-111.- Photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
