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The Sixers went to win in New York, while the Lakers were humiliated at home by New Orleans on Sunday in the NBA.
James Harden (left) and Joel Embiid (right) were unbearable on Sunday night.
Reuters
Utah inflicted a second straight loss (118-114) to Phoenix on Sunday in the NBA, while the Lakers were humiliated at home by New Orleans and the imposing duo Joel Embiid / James Harden won Philadelphia to New York.
Without their leader Chris Paul, absent for at least six weeks due to a broken thumb, the end of matches are more difficult for the Suns, when the score is tight. Illustration with Jay Crowder (16 pts), who, after bringing his own to three units (117-114) then grabbed a rebound on the next action, panicked and sent the ball into touch, two seconds from the end, at the great displeasure of Devin Booker (30 pts, 7 rebounds, 7 assists).
“It’s hard to make us lose”
Mitchell (26 pts) was the top scorer for Utah, still 4th after this eighth success in nine games. He was impeccably supported by Jordan Clarkson (22 pts) and Rudy Gobert, who fought a big battle inside (16 pts, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks) against DeAndre Ayton (23 pts, 7 rebounds). “We have so much talent, it’s hard to make us lose when we play like that,” commented the French pivot.
Do not panic among the Suns, solid leaders in the West, since they retain the same lead over Golden State (2nd) defeated at home (107-101) by Dallas. The Warriors can blame themselves, since they led by 21 points, before squandering this advantage in the last twelve minutes, without Stephen Curry (27 pts, 10 assists) remedying it. Luka Doncic was decisive (34 pts, 11 rbds), well supported by Spencer Dinwiddie (24 pts), for Mavs 5th just ahead of Denver, easy winner of Portland (124-92) with Nikola Jokic at least in scoring (8 pts , 18 rebounds, 11 assists).
The Lakers hit rock bottom
The Lakers, they have hit rock bottom on their floor against New Orleans (123-95). As often this season, LeBron James (32 pts) was the only one to float in an apathetic and disorganized team, which was up to 32 points behind, the Pelicans shooting at 51% success in the wake of CJ McCollum ( 22 points). The 2020 champion remains stuck in 9th place and seems promised in the play-off dam, behind the Clippers (8th) winners of a 3rd victory in a row in Houston (99-98), relying on Reggie Jackson ( 26 points).
In the East, Joel Embiid and James Harden, very complementary for their second association, allowed Philadelphia to hang a third success in a row in New York (125-109). If the Cameroonian was dominant inside (37 pts, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks), “The Beard” (the bearded man) split a triple-double (29 pts, 16 assists, 10 rebounds), also defending very well (5 interceptions).
“We cannot be stopped. What to do? James is a great passer and I also monopolize a lot of attention. So you have to choose, stay on me or on him. And if we are contained, we have teammates who will be free with open shots, ”explained Embiid. Their offensive threat was such that the Knicks sent them on free throws very often. Bad idea, because Embiid finished with a 23/27 and Harden with a 10/10. The Sixers have a total of 39, the biggest total of the season.
The results of the night
LA Lakers–New Orleans 95–123. Charlotte–Detroit 126–127 AD Portland–Denver 92–124. Houston–LA Clippers 98–99. Indiana–Boston 128–107. Golden State–Dallas 101–107. Phoenix–Utah 114–118. New York–Philadelphia 109–125.
