Five matches were scheduled on the night of Monday November 11 to Tuesday November 12 in the NBA. An evening marked by the talent of Victor Wembanyama, the invincibility of the Cleveland Cavaliers which continues to extend and the career points record of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with the Oklahoma Thunder.
Wembanyama skillful three-pointer
Record points of the season, an insolent shooting skill: Victor Wembanyama produced another full match to allow the San Antonio Spurs to dominate the Sacramento Kings (116-96) at the Frost Bank Center.
With a maddening stat line (34 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 interception, 3 blocks) “Wemby” was particularly adept at shooting (13 successful attempts out of 22, a success of 59%), helped by the offerings of his leader Chris Paul (11 assists yesterday). With 12 shots attempted behind the three-point line (including 6 successful), the number one in the 2023 draft is still as greedy in his number of long-distance attempts. Figures worthy of Stephen Curry.
A desire from his coach Gregg Popovich, who defended himself at a press conference in the face of the astonishment of our American colleagues at such a large number of three-point shots attempted during each outing by the French pivot of 2, 24m. “This is absolutely what we want for Victorexplained the 75-year-old coach in October at a press conference. He’s more of a perimeter player than a post player. We want him to be able to do everything. »
A bet which gradually seems to be paying off. After a start to the season that fell short of expectations in terms of shooting success (less than 25% from three points after nine matches), Wembanyama has just made 12 of his last 21 three-point shots. A rediscovered address which allows the Texans to get closer to a balanced record (5 victories, 6 defeats).
The Cavs, sixth best start to the season in history
Kenny Atkinson’s Cleveland Cavaliers continue their unbeaten streak. In a tight match from start to finish, the 2016 champions relied on their leader Donovan Mitchell (36 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists) to snatch a twelfth success in as many matches since the start of the season on the floor of the Chicago Bulls (119-113).
With this strong start, this new victory for the Ohio franchise allows it to equal the sixth best start to a season in NBA history in the regular season, tied with Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in 1996 and the Seattle Supersonics in 1982.
Shai’s career points record
In the highlight match of the night, Oklahoma Thunder leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded his career high in points with 45 points, in OKC’s beautiful victory on the brand new floor of the Los Angeles Clippers (134 -128) from the Intuit Dome.
The 26-year-old Canadian, 2e in the MVP ranking behind Nikola Jokic last season, confirms his change in dimension at the start of the season. Just yesterday, he was omnipresent on both sides of the field, multiplying interceptions (5), blocks (2), passes (9) and at the same time breaking the points record of the futuristic room, inaugurated at the start of season. Among the French, note the timid match of Nicolas Batum, who only played 12 minutes yesterday for three points scored and three rebounds with the Clippers, while opposite, Ousmane Dieng once again benefited from playing time ( 9 minutes) for three points scored.
READ ALSO. Everything you need to know about the NBA Cup, this mid-season trophy which brings $500,000 to each player
Coulibaly and Sarr beaten by Houston
In the two other meetings of the night, the Washington Wizards of Bilal Coulibaly (11 points, 4 rebounds) and Alexandre Sarr (5 points, 6 rebounds) were dominated by the Houston Rockets (107-92). Turkish pivot Alperen Sengun notably achieved an impressive double-double, with 27 points and 17 rebounds. The Brooklyn Nets collective, for its part, confirmed its start to the season above expectations, this time beating the New Orleans Pelicans (107-105). Seven players notably scored ten or more units during the match.
