The Minnesota Timberwolves, seventh in the Western Conference, won at home against the Denver Nuggets (119-116), the 2023 champions, led by triple NBA MVP Nikola Jokic on Friday. Rudy Gobert, the pivot of the “Wolves”, achieved another double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds, notably scoring the two free throws which won his team 10 seconds from the buzzer. The 32-year-old Frenchman then made a good defense on Jokic, who attempted a three-point shot to snatch extra time.
Despite the heavy defeat of the Portland Trail Blazers against the Oklahoma City Thunder (137-114), leader of the Western Conference, Rayan Rupert knew how to highlight himself. The guard from the Oregon franchise scored 14 points in 23 minutes (4/7 on long distance shots), beating his record in an NBA game by one. Opposite, Ousmane Dieng was also able to express himself: 11 points in 19 minutes spent on the floor.
Zaccharie Risacher only scored three points in 20 minutes (1/9 shooting) during the Atlanta Hawks’ defeat at home against the Sacramento Kings (123-115). He was not lined up during the last quarter. Pacôme Dadiet only played five minutes (two points scored) during the New York Knicks’ big victory over the Detroit Pistons (128-98). But it was his first appearance in three matches.
