Kyrie Irving was the big man of the night in the NBA, the North American basketball championship. The Brooklyn point guard, who was playing his 16th meeting of the season only, scored a whopping 50 points in the Nets’ big victory in Charlotte (121-132).
“Uncle Drew”, who can only play outside since January due to his vaccination status, achieved his best performance of the season with 50 points, 15/19 shooting including 9/12 three-pointers, 6 assists and 3 rebounds. The Nets, who are in 8th place in the East with a record of 33 wins and losses, will go to Philadelphia on Thursday for the expected reunion with James Harden.
Sixth in the East, Cleveland was able to count on its talented leader Darius Garland to emerge in Indiana (124-127). The 22-year-old Indiana native simply had his best career performance with 41 points and 13 assists. Thanks to a prolific last quarter, rich with 21 units, he allowed the Cavs to win.
Still in the East, Milwaukee, 3rd, was not put in difficulty in Oklahoma City, in particular thanks to the double MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo (39 pts).
In the West, the first three won on Tuesday after all having experienced defeat in their last outing. Phoenix, authoritarian leader (52v-13d), however had to fight in Orlando (99-102). Still deprived of their point guard Chris Paul, hit in the thumb, and Devin Booker, the Suns were able to count on the omnipresence of DeAndre Ayton under the baskets (21 pts, 19 rebounds) and on Mikal Bridges, whose counter in the last seconds sealed the victory for Phoenix.
Memphis, second (45v-22d), did not have to draw on its reserves to overcome New Orleans (132-111). In front of 19 points at the break, especially in the wake of their All-Star Ja Morant (24 pts, 8 rebounds, 8 assists), the Grizzlies easily managed their viaticum in the second act.
Finally, Golden State, which remained on a series of five losses, has finally raised the bar. The Warriors were able to count on their collective, symbolized by five players with at least 14 points, to beat the Los Angeles Clippers (112-97). If Steph Curry did not have his usual performance from a distance (1/6), he was well supported off the bench by Jonathan Kuminga (21 pts) and Jordan Poole (20 pts).
