In the tantalizing clash of the Eastern Conference between the leader, the Chicago Bulls, and the runner-up, the Brooklyn Nets, the standoff only lasted half time at the United Center, on the night of Wednesday to Thursday. . At 8’29 ” from the end of the third quarter, the score was still parity (71-71), the suspense maintained, but from there, the New Yorkers put their heads under the water of the Bulls to keep them asphyxiated to the end on their ground (victory of the Nets 138-112) and to cool the enthusiasm born of their current excellent series (10 victories in 11 games before this debacle).
Kyrie Irving more discreet
In this recital of the second act, and in particular thanks to a 22-0 inflicted on horseback on the 3rd and 4th quarters, Brooklyn will have been carried by Kevin Durant (27 points, 9 assists) and James Harden, back after a match absence for a knee problem, author of 25 points and 16 assists, including a jewel between the legs for Day’Ron Sharpe. For his third game since his return, Kyrie Irving, unvaccinated but allowed to play away, was solid in the lead, even if more discreet at the mark (9 points) than his two friends, well helped on the other hand by Patty Mills off the bench (21 points and 6/8 to 3 points).
Chicago thus records one of its heaviest defeats of the season – they had never conceded more than 130 points since the start of the year -, in the wake of Zach LaVine (22 points) and DeMar DeRozan (19 points) instead. shy. The Bulls retain the lead in the Eastern Conference (27 v.-12 r. Against 26 v.-14 r.), But the Nets, after losing their first two meetings of the season, sent them a reminder to the order.
.