NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – Boston redeems the knockout in the big match against Oklahoma and does it in a big way by imposing itself in Denver. The defending champions win 118-106, taking advantage of the absence of Nikola Jokic, forced to forfeit. A heavy if not decisive absence for the Nuggets who held their own, but suffered a blackout in the last quarter allowing the Celtics to take the lead. Jayson Tatum was the most prolific of his with 29 points, but Kristaps Porzingis’ double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds also had a major impact in the challenge, not forgetting Jrue Holiday’s 19 points (with 7 assists) and Jaylen Brown’s 14 (with 8 rebounds and as many assists). Without Jokic, Denver relied on Russell Westbrook who did his by putting up 26 points and 9 rebounds. There are 19 points from Jamal Murray, there is a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double from Michael Porter Jr, Braun makes 12. From the bench also came Julian Strawther’s 19 points and Peyton Watson’s 14, but in the end it was Boston that won.Dallas redeemed itself by ending a losing streak of 5 consecutive losses, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 118-97. Despite the absence of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks play a great game leading 5 in double figures. From the bench come Quentin Grimes’ 23 points and 9 rebounds, Jaden Hardy’s 15, while the starting quintet sees P.J. Washington as the best scorer with 22 points (8 rebounds), Spencer Dinwiddie’s 19 (8 assists), Klay Thompson’s 13. Badly for the Lakers despite double-doubles by Anthony Davis (21 points and 12 rebounds) and LeBron James (18 points and 10 rebounds). Also bad was Golden State, which lost at home to Miami. The Heat prevail 114-98 by bringing in three in double figures off the bench: Nikola Jovic makes 20, Duncan Robinson 12 and Alec Burks 11. He starts from the top and comes close to a double-double for Bam Adebayo (19 points and 9 rebounds), Jaime Jaquez Jr makes 18, Tyler Herro’s is 14 (with 8 rebounds). Warriors on top only in the partial third quarter, but it’s not enough as well as Steph Curry’s 31 points.In the night’s other contests (seven games in all) wins for Hornets (115-104 against Suns with 32 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists for Ball), Rockets (135-112 over Wizards with 20 points and 15 rebounds for Thompson), Timberwolves (104-97 over Pelicans with 32 points and 9 rebounds for Edwards) and Hawks (124-121 over Jazz with 24 points and 20 assists for Young).- Photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
