NEW YORK (UNITED STATES) (ITALPRESS) – The air has really changed in Detroit. The Pistons beat Eastern Conference leader Cleveland 133-122 on NBA night, take another step toward the playoffs but most importantly, for the first time since 2016, they secure a positive season balance since it is their 42nd win. That’s quite a leap forward for someone who had been under 25 wins in recent seasons and who hasn’t faced the post-season since 2008. Without Cunningham and with a Mitchell in the Cavs’ ranks finishing with 38 points, it was Tim Hardaway Jr. (32 points) who led the charge, followed by Schroder (16 points and 10 assists) and Duren (16 points and 13 rebounds). Shaded by Simone Fontecchio, who in 14 minutes signed 3 points (1/3 from three), one rebound and two recovered balls.
New York confirms itself as Milwaukee’s black beast: third confrontation and third Knicks win (116-107) with 31 points (including 20 in the last quarter) by Anunoby and 26 by Bridges, for the Bucks 30 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists by Antetokounmpo. Given the standings, the two teams could cross paths in the first round of the playoffs, not the best news for Milwaukee. Trying to keep play-in hopes still burning is Toronto, which extends its winning streak to 3 games by outscoring Charlotte 108-97.
In the West, on the other hand, Denver stays in Houston’s wake in the race for second place thanks to a 129-93 win over Utah with 27 points and 14 rebounds by Jokic, then held at rest in the last period, while keeping the Lakers and Grizzlies at a distance. The fight for direct access to the playoffs also remains wide open, with sixth place remaining in the hands of the Clippers but with Golden State and Minnesota not letting up.
Leonard drags his team with 31 points in the 132-100 win over Brooklyn (10th win in 12 games), Curry returns after missing two games and scores 23 points in the Warriors’ win over New Orleans (111-95) while the Wolves go 4-for-4 against Phoenix: 124-109 with 25 points from Randle and 20 from Edwards. The Suns, who are not satisfied with a 23-point Durant, would be out of the playoffs as it stands.
– IPA Agency photo –
(ITALPRESS).
