Last round of the year for the NBA, with nine games played in the Italian night as regards the regular season 2022-2023. Our standard-bearers Paolo Banchero (Orlando Magic) and Simone Fontecchio (Utah Jazz) also took to the field. So let’s go for a brief recap of what happened overseas.
Washington Wizards outside hit on the Orlando Magic for 100-119. Guests immediately take the lead after the first quarter (20-27), with the hosts trying to stay in the wake of the second siren (47-56). In the third fraction, the Capital franchise clearly takes off, even reaching +30 (68-98) without allowing the Magic to reply, who try to limit the damage up to 100-119 with which Washington wins the match. Kristap Porzingis leads his team with a double-double of 30 points and 13 rebounds, while the Magic – with a roster limited by disqualifications for the brawl a few days ago – Franz Wagner’s 28 points and our Paolo Banchero’s 21 points are not enough.
The Los Angeles Lakers also beat the Atlanta Hawks 121-130 away from home. It is the hosts who close in front of the first fraction (33-23), with the Lakers who however manage to mend the gap by closing the first half by 5 lengths down (67-62). In the third fraction the Californians put the arrow, managing to take the lead at the third siren (95-98) and managing the margin in the final fraction up to 121-130 with which the yellow-purples conquered the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. LeBron James is immense on his birthday (the 38th) and comes close to the triple double with 47 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists, while for the Hawks Trae Young finishes with 29 points (and 8 assists) on the scoresheet.
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Home success for the Toronto Raptors against the Phoenix Suns 113-104. The Canadians try to get off to a good start to the match (33-24), with the Suns not wanting to let their opponents get away and closing behind by only two points at the long interval (53-51). In the third quarter Toronto administers the small advantage accumulated by touching the double-digit margin (86-79), with Phoenix having a timid start in the final fraction (99-101). The Raptors do not break down and find the decisive paw to take the match home (113-104). Gary Trent Jr. is the best of him thanks to the 35 points scored, while among the ranks of the Suns Chris Paul stamps a double-double with 20 points and 12 assists.
Internal affirmation also for the Chicago Bulls against the Detroit Pistons for 132-118. Balanced first half, with the two teams splitting the first two quarters, where, however, the Bulls manage to put their heads in front before the mid-game break (60-58). Back and forth also in the second half, with Detroit trying to put the hosts in difficulty but still maintaining the leadership in scoring (95-92). In the final partial Chicago engages the high gears and leaves the crumbs to the opponents, flying up to 132-118 with which the United Center crowd can rejoice. Zach LaVine is unstoppable and scores 43 points, with Isaiah Stewart who is the last of him to give up, scoring a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Milwaukee Bucks also enforce the field factor, who bend the resistance of the Minnesota Timbervoles with a score of 123-114. Balanced first quarter (33-34), with the guests revving up their engines in the following fraction, finishing eleven points higher (50-61). Quick response from the Bucks in the third set, with the hosts back in front (89-83) without looking back until the end of the match (!23-114). Giannis Antetokpumpo is the absolute protagonist with 43 points and 20 rebounds, while for the Timberwolves the best is Anthony Edwards with a double-double of 30 points and 10 rebounds.
The race to the top of the standings continues Western Conference for the New Orleans Pelicans, who also beat the Philadelphia 76ers 127-116. New Orleans tries to steer the game on the right track right from the start (31-27), maintaining a safety margin over its opponents also in the second quarter (67-60). In the second half, the home franchise does not lift its foot from the accelerator (99-91), with the 76ers who are unable to stay in contact, yielding in the final partial up to 127-116 with which the match ends. Zion Williamson is his team’s top scorer with 36 points, while Joel Embiid’s 37 points (and 8 rebounds) and James Harden’s double-double (20 points and 10 assists) are not enough for Philadelphia.
Home win for the Denver Nuggets over the Miami Heat 124-119. First quarter in favor of the Denvers (23-19), with Miami trying to put their opponents in difficulty in the second half where they closed behind by only one full possession (60-57). In the third set, the Heat manage to overtake (85-90), but the Nuggets promptly find the strength to react in the final quarter by putting their heads back in front at the right moment to win this game, thus remaining on top in the West like the Pelicans . Triple double for Nikola Jokic (19 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists), while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scores 20 points. For the Heat, however, double double by Tyler Herro with 26 points and 10 rebounds.
The Golden State Warriors try to shake things up, prevailing over the never-dominant Portland Trail Blazers 118-112. The Californians immediately place a deadly first quarter from 41-25, with Portland which however manages to fill the gap up to -4 with which the first half ends (60-56). In the second half the guests also manage to find the lead, even reaching +11 (85-96) and remaining eight lengths ahead after 36′ (88-96). In the final fraction, the reigning Champions bring out their pride and manage to overturn the game in the final minutes for the 118-112 with which the Chase Center crowd rejoices. Klay Thompson takes the team on his shoulders in the absence of the injured Curry and scores 31 points, while for the Trail Blazers the usual Damian Lillard closes with 34 points.
In the match that closed the NBA night, the Sacramento Kings beat the Utah Jazz at home 126-125. Landlords ahead at the first siren (30-27), with the Californians remaining in the slipstream without however being able to put their nose in front also in the second quarter (60-57). Utah manages the small margin also in the second half (91-87), with the Kings who try everything in the final partial finding the decisive leap in the final minutes for the 126-125 with which they win the challenge. Kevin Huerter scores 30 points, while two players close with a double-double: Domantas Sabonis (28 points and 11 rebounds) and De’Aaron Fox (24 points and 10 assists). For the Jazz, however, 36 points from Lauri Markkanen and 25 from Jordan Clarkson. Our Simone Fontecchio remains seated on the bench for the entire duration of the match – zero minutes for the Pescara player.
THE RESULTS OF THE NBA NIGHT
Orlando Magic-Washington Wizards 100-119
Atlanta Hawks-Los Angeles Lakers 121-130
Toronto Raptors-Phoenix Suns 113-104
Chicago Bulls-Detroit Pistons 132-118
Milwaukee Bucks-Minnesota Timberwolves 123-114
New Orleans Pelicans-Philadelphia 76ers 127-116
Denver Nuggets-Miami Heat 124-1119
Golden State Warriors-Portland Trail Blazers 118-112
Sacramento Kings-Utah Jazz 126-125
Photo: LaPresse
