The Brooklyn Nets dominated the top game in the east, and the Celtics around Dennis Schröder are in a great mood. LeBron James is still on his own – but the King is not enough for the Lakers against Sacramento. The Hawks are showing no upswing, and Utah is also getting under the wheels.
Indiana Pacers (15-27) – Boston Celtics (21-21) 100:119 (BOXSCORE)
- When Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Dennis Schröder are in a good mood at the same time, it will be very difficult for the opposing team. The Pacers found out too, who received 34 points from Brown (7/11 3P) and 33 from Tatum (11/19 FG each). Schröder only needed 11 field throws (4/5 3P) for 23 points.
- Celtics coach Ime Udoka increasingly used his two young stars in pick’n’rolls to get mismatches, which met with enthusiasm. “It makes it easier for both of us to be in the game,” said Tatum, who received approval from Brown. “It feels great”.
- Brown did not want to sing any anthem of success after the third win in a row: “We cannot be satisfied or take our foot off the gas. We have to carry on as in previous games and concentrate on our throws every night and slow down the opponent.” The Celtics are back with the win with a balance of 21-21 in tenth place in the Eastern Conference.
- Malcolm Brogdon’s comeback for the Pacers after missing nine games in a row was very unfortunate, after 17 minutes on the floor he had to leave the game early with a foot injury. The remaining starters all scored at least 13 points, led by Myles Turner with 18 (0/5 3P). Neither Lance Stephenson (6, 3/11) nor any other Pacers reservist provided much support.
- Corona-Protokoll: T.J. Warren (Pacers)
Philadelphia 76ers (23-17) – Charlotte Hornets (23-19) 98:109 (BOXSCORE)
- The Hornets have defeated their feared opponent Philadelphia after 16 defeats in a row, while they were welcomed by the Sixers with a winning streak of 7 games in top form. “I can also be in top form” thought Gordon Hayward, who had 22 points without a miss (4/4 3P) at the break.
- “We talked about ending the series before the game,” confirmed Hayward afterwards, emphasizing: “It was an important win for us. But it was only one.” In the second round he only added 8 points, but Philly could no longer completely melt the 20-point lead of the Hornets.
- Another series could be increased to 8, for Joel Embiid (31, 10/17 FG, 10/14 FT) it was the eighth game in a row with at least 30 points. In the history of the Sixers, only Wilt Chamberlain and Allen Iverson had achieved this before. Pretty good company for Embiid. Tobias Harris contributed 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, Tyrese Maxey showed some rust after four missed games in the Corona protocol (10, 4/13 FG).
- Terry Rozier (22) and Miles Bridges (21, 8 rebounds) provided active support for Charlotte, LaMelo Ball (13, 7 rebounds, 8 assists) did not bring his throw to fall (0/8 3P). Head coach James Borrego only used eight players. Charlotte repeatedly relied on zone defense in the game, which the Sixers attacked with high-low plays between Embiid and Drummond (2.8 rebounds) – with moderate success.
- Corona-Protokoll: Kelly Oubre (Hornets)
Washington Wizards (22-20) – Orlando Magic (7-35) 112:106 (BOXSCORE)
- Franz Wagner couldn’t prevent Magic’s tenth loss in a row, even with his next career high. With 10 assists, he came in this category for the first time in the double-digit range for his second double-double of the season, but he needed 16 field throws for his 14 points. In 32 minutes he also grabbed 3 of his 6 rebounds on the opposing board.
- However, even without Bradley Beal, who was included in the Corona protocol for the second time this season, the Wizards scored 52.4 percent of their field throws and led early in the second quarter with +20, Orlando only made it really close again in the Final phase. Kyle Kuzma recorded almost the first triple-double of his career with 19 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists and was well aware of it. “Come on, Corey,” he called to rookie Corey Kispert, when he did not take a free throw after a pass from Kuzma in the final minute.
- Kispert (11) stayed with his good odds with 3/5 triples. A total of six wizards scored double digits, including Montrezl Harrell (16, 6/8 FG, 8 rebounds) and Raul Neto (15) coming from the bench. At Orlando, Cole Anthony scratched a triple-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists, but like his backcourt partner Gary Harris (14) only hit 2/8 triples.
- The game started completely crazy, by the way. Orlando won the tip and then missed eight throws in a row before the Wizards were finally able to secure the defensive rebound after 62 seconds. The Magic probably wanted to continue their shootaround to warm up, the home fans cheered the Wizards sarcastically during the rebound. Orlando scored 18 points after 18 offensive rebounds (11 after 6 for Wizards).
- Corona-Protokoll: Bradley Beal (Wizards)
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