NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – Only four games on the Nba schedule, but it was a night with interesting results. Cleveland, the Eastern Conference leader, lost its second consecutive game after a loss to Orlando, succumbing to the Clippers, who won 132-119 at home.
The Los Angeles franchise sends six in double figures, with Kawhi Leonard the match’s top scorer with 33 points, although the real dragger is Ivica Zubac who, on his 28th birthday, gives himself a 28-point, 20-rebound performance. Staying in the starting quintet, James Harden (9 assists) and 11 Norman Powell put up 22, while from the bench Bogdan Bogdanovic made 20 and 10 also came from Derrick Jones Jr.
The Cavaliers have a very good impact with the match, closing on 45-37 in the first quarter, but then lose clarity and accuracy and surrender to the Clippers despite Max Strus’ 24 points and Donovan Mitchell’s 18-point, 11-assist double-double.
Slipping first in the class in the East, second in the standings wins. The defending champion Celtics, in fact, beat the Nets 104-96. Without Tatum, Boston relied on Kristaps Porzingis, who recorded a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double to his credit. From the bench came 20 from Baylor Scheierman and 10 from Paytron Pritchard, while returning to the starting quintet were 18 from Derrick White and 12 from Jrue Holiday.
Brooklyn responded with D’Angelo Russell’s 18 and Ziaire Williams’ 15, but it was not enough to avoid defeat number 46 of the season. Golden State also wins, redeeming its knockout loss to the Nuggets and beating Milwaukee 104-93 in its second consecutive setback. The Warriors, without Steph Curry who remained rested, relied on Jimmy Butler who responded and put up 24 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds.
Brandin Podziemski also did well, finishing with 17 points and 7 rebounds, while on the other side Kuzma’s 22 points, Antetokounmpo’s 20 (with 9 rebounds and 7 assists) and Lillard and Lopez’s 16 apiece were not enough. Closing the picture was Atlanta’s 134-102 win on the Hornets’ hardwood with Trae Young the match’s top scorer with 31 points, plus 8 assists in service to the Hawks.
– Photo Ipa/Agency –
(ITALPRESS)
