NBA – Joel Embiid (Philadelphia Sixers) campaigns for his MVP, the Los Angeles Lakers almost eliminated

The player: Joel Embiid still in MVP mode

Last straight line of the regular season and last opportunities to convince for the MVP candidates. Joel Embiid does not miss any opportunity. The Cameroonian pivot was once again very prolific last night. 44 points, 17 rebounds and 5 blocks – statistics worthy of a video game – to lead the Sixers to a narrow victory against the Cavaliers (112-108). He once again dominated his opponents, despite a sore ankle. “I don’t see what more I can do. If I’m not elected MVP, I’m going to think that people hate me and that the standards are different for players in Philadelphia.“, already warns the interested party, more than ever campaigning with the media.

Either way, he played like an MVP on Sunday night. And the Cavaliers paid the price. But they also pointed the finger at arbitration, noting in particular the 20 free throws shot by the All-Star inside (almost as many as the entire five major Cleveland).

The match: A gala Luka Doncic bends the Bucks

Duel of European superstars on the Milwaukee court last night. Luka Doncic traveled there to face Giannis Antetokounmpo. A meeting that is obviously close to his heart. “You are always more motivated when you play against Giannis. He’s a champion and a double MVP“, says the Slovenian, who was not impressed. On the contrary. Doncic played as if he were the only boss on the field. His 32 points, 8 rebounds and 15 assists even guided the Mavericks to victory against the Bucks (118-112). Antetokounmpo and his teammates could not find a solution to stop him. The maestro constantly adapted.

He notably restored the advantage to his team on an award-winning basket 9 minutes from the buzzer (93-91). He added two shots in stride before serving Dorian Finney-Smith for another award-winning shot. An 8-0 that put Dallas on the path to success. The Texas franchise is still in the fight for the podium in the West, even if it has one victory less than Golden State.

The performance: Nikola Jokic pushes the Lakers a little further

Anthony Davis assured Saturday that his Lakers were confident of being able to end the season by winning five games in a row. A day later, he can already revise his prediction. Because the Angelenos have meanwhile come across a bone named Nikola Jokic. The Serbian MVP was once again imperial to carry his Nuggets to victory. A 129 to 118 success against Los Angeles with 38 points, 18 rebounds and 6 assists on the clock. Davis finished with 28 points and Russell Westbrook added 27. Rather than kick off the streak hoped for by AD, the Lakers are losing further ground to tenth place in the Western Conference. Jokic and his family, on the other hand, move up to fifth place.

Lowry returns to Toronto, Miami wins

After two years of COVID-19, a temporary move to Tampa Bay and a transfer to Miami, Kyle Lowry finally made his return to Toronto on Sunday night. He was welcomed as a hero. In champion. A moment charged with emotions, including several tributes to the most emblematic player in the history of the Raptors. But despite this special atmosphere, the Heat leader took it upon himself to do the job. His 16 points and 10 assists were at the heart of the Floridians’ success (114-109). The fourth straight victory for the Heat, more than ever first in the East.

Image: Alperen Sengun, magician by profession

The Turkish rookie delights every evening with his assists.

The French: New record for Olivier Sarr!

Olivier Sarr will remember this match against Phoenix. Not only did the Thunder bring down the best team in the league (117-96) but in addition the French pivot was the main contributor to this great success. He scored 24 points, his new personal best, while grabbing 6 rebounds. His distant address – 5 out of 6 behind the arc and 9 out of 12 in total – made the difference coming off the bench. His compatriots and teammates Théo Maledon and Jaylen Hoard scored 9 and 4 points respectively.

Killian Hayes is finishing his second season in the NBA strong. The young leader, in great shape at the moment, compiled 10 points and 7 assists in just 22 minutes during the Pistons’ victory against the Pacers (121-117). Nicolas Batum finished with 6 points on the occasion of a Clippers success over the Pelicans (119-100). Small game of Evan Fournier, limited to 2 points in 15 minutes with New York.

The results of the night in the NBA

Celtics – Wizards : 144-102
Bucks – Mavericks : 112-118
Lakers – Nuggets : 118-129
Pacers – Pistons : 117-121
Cavaliers – Sixers : 108-112
Magic – Knicks : 88-118
Raptors – Heat : 109-114
Rockets – Timberwolves : 132-139
Thunder – Suns : 96-117
Spurs – Trail Blazers : 113-92
Kings – Warriors : 90-109
Clippers – Pelicans : 119-100