Lakers win derby with Clippers, Boston returns to smiles

ROME (ITALPRESS) – It was the Lakers who triumphed in the Los Angeles derby, one of the most anticipated matches staged on the Italian night of the NBA regular-season. On the parquet of the Crypto.com Arena, in front of almost 19,000 spectators, the franchise led on the bench by coach Redick imposed itself on the Clippers’ ‘cousins’ 108-102 despite the 33 points scored by Leonard, top-scorer of the match; among the hosts, the newcomer Doncic, who scored 29, was decisive. Instead, there are two contests that need an overtime to declare winners and losers. The Cleveland Cavaliers got the better of the Portland Trail Blazers 133-129 by virtue, first of all, of the 32 points scored by Hunter, who won the long-distance duel with the Israeli Avdija, who did not go beyond 30. New York in corsair version on Miami’s court: the Knicks passed, bringing the Heat to their knees 116-112 with 31 points by Brunson, the most prolific of the night (30 by Adebayo for the Florida quintet). Boston, the defending champions, returns to relish the pleasant taste of success: the Celtics take advantage of the friendly facility to defeat the Denver Nuggets 110-103 although, among the guests, Murray and Braun string on 26 and 24 points, respectively. Nesmith drags Indiana Pacers to victory: with 27 points, the home idol helps knock out the Chicago Bulls 127-112. Toronto in privateer version: the Raptors win the match with Orlando Magic in a sprint, a 104-102 marked by Quickley’s 24 points, one less than local favorite Wagner. And Oklahoma City, New Orleans and Minnesota are also partying away from their supporters: the Thunder win 146-132 over the San Antonio Spurs, the Pelicans win 128-121 over the Utah Jazz and the Timberwolves violate the Phoenix Suns’ parquet 116-98.- Photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).