But who can beat the Cavaliers this season? Unstoppable, the Cleveland franchise piled up a 14e success in as many matches, Friday evening, against the Chicago Bulls (144-126). Sunday against Charlotte, they will have the opportunity to equal the second best start in the history of the league, achieved by the Houston Rockets in 1993 and the Washington Capitals in 1948. The record belongs to the Golden State Warriors (24 wins in 2015).
Hooked by the Bulls (tied at 10’41 to go), the Cavaliers accelerated thanks to Donovan Mitchell, author of 18 points in the fourth quarter alone, for a total of 37 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, being well helped by Darius Garland (29 pt).
Spurs stumble upon a bone
Victor Wembanyama, still hot, for his part was unable to prevent San Antonio’s defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers of Anthony Davis and LeBron James (120-115). After the successful card against Washington on Wednesday (50 pt, its record), the French nugget still maintained the pace with a full match (28 pt, 14 rebounds, 5 passes, 2 blocks).
The Frenchman delighted in the “lobs” of his teammates and was barely less skillful from afar (4 out of 13 at 30.8%), while keeping up the pace in defense. He was well helped by Chris Paul, author of 11 assists, exceeding 12,000 career assists. He is the third player to reach this record, after John Stockton (15,806) and Jason Kidd (12,091). But after a close end to the game, the Spurs ended up capitulating, after a decisive lay up from James 25 seconds from time. The “King” scored a 4e triple double (15 pt, 16 rebounds, 12 assists), a first in his immense career, while Anthony Davis still survived (40 pt, 12 rebounds).
OKC remains in the lead in the West, 60 points for Fox
The Oklahoma City Thunder, for their part, won the top-of-the-table duel in the Western Conference against the Phoenix Suns (99-83), with 28 points from Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to remain at the top of their conference.
The New York Knicks, despite being 18 points ahead at the start of the fourth quarter, were almost surprised by the Brooklyn Nets of Cam Thomas (43 pt), who went in front twelve seconds from time, before a long shot from Jalen Brunson (37 pt), then a counter from Miles Bridges, offered victory to the Knicks in the New York derby.
Despite the presence of Paul George (13 pt) and Joel Embiid (20 pt), the Philadelphia 76ers suffered a 9e defeat against Orlando (98-86). De’Aaron Fox blazed for Sacramento with 60 points, a new franchise record, without however being able to prevent the Kings’ defeat against Minnesota (130-126, after overtime).
Note that today’s matches also counted for the group stage of the NBA Cup, the final four of which will take place from December 14 to 17 in Las Vegas.
