NBA – James Harden shines with the Philadelphia Sixers, Jrue Holiday and the Milwaukee Bucks trap the Miami Heat

The match: Jrue Holiday offers the shock of the evening to the Bucks

The poster between the Heat and the Bucks, two of the big favorites in the East, did not disappoint. And it was ultimately the defending champions who won (120-119) after a committed and suspenseful duel. Giannis Antetokounmpo (28 points, 17 rebounds, 5 assists) and his partners were heroic in money time to recover from a 14-point deficit in just 6 minutes. A comeback concluded by a layup from Jrue Holiday for the win 1.9 seconds from the final buzzer!

The leader confirms his great form this season by scoring 25 points in addition to his 6 rebounds and 11 assists. He tipped the game for Milwaukee. Khris Middleton added 26 points. Miami may have regrets. The Florida players were insolent behind the arc (21 of 44) and they still led by four points 20 seconds from the end (115-119) before collapsing. One of the last possessions is still the subject of controversy as Antetokounmpo was able to provoke a jump ball with Jimmy Butler when the Heat believed that the Greek had foul by charging the All-Star fullback. The Bucks recovered the ball on the jump ball and Holiday went to score the decisive basket. Tyler Herro, author of 30 points, then missed the ultimate three-point attempt at the siren. End of series for Miami, which remained on four wins in a row. But the Heat remain at the top of the Eastern Conference, three places ahead of the Bucks.

The player: James Harden makes a successful debut in Philadelphia

After two great performances outside, James Harden played his first game with the Sixers in front of his new home crowd in Philadelphia on Wednesday night. Appreciated throughout the evening, the All-Star rear delighted the supporters. His 26 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists contributed to his team’s victory against the Knicks (123-108). His duet with Joel Embiid once again sparked. Also good in leg, the Cameroonian compiled 27 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. We will even soon be able to speak of a trio as Tyrese Maxey shines alongside the two superstars. The sophomore, revelation of the season in Philly, added 25 points. None of them took more than 15 shots. A nice distribution of cartridges, with precisely Harden in charge.

In distress with Brooklyn before his transfer, the former MVP regains his splendor. He plays fair, he involves his comrades. So far, it’s working well: three games and as many wins, with the Sixers now third in the East and ever closer to first place.

The team: Donovan Mitchell’s Jazz come out on top against the Rockets

Utah is not far from the mishap against Houston last night. The Jazz had control of the game in the fourth quarter before conceding a 12-2. Christian Wood then snatched overtime with a three-point basket at the buzzer. But Donovan Mitchell, author of 37 points, and his teammates recovered well. They widened the gap in overtime to finally win 132-127. Rudy Gobert accompanied Mitchell well by compiling 27 points and 17 rebounds while Mike Conley, 15 points, planted several decisive award-winning baskets in overtime. Third straight victory for Utah, the ninth in the last ten games.

The performance: Brandon Ingram without forcing

Brandon Ingram was very effective last night. The Pelicans All-Star winger scored 33 points on 15 of 19 shooting and his team won against Sacramento without shaking (125-95). An important victory since the Blazers lost against the Suns. New Orleans therefore recovers tenth place in the Western Conference, qualifying for the play-in.

The French: Rudy Gobert is a hit

Rudy Gobert rolled on the Rockets’ racket, even though the Jazz needed overtime to win against one of the Western Conference dunces. The pivot had 27 points on 12 of 14 shooting and 17 rebounds. A tough double-double.

Evening without for Evan Fournier, out of address. The Knicks guard scored 3 points converting just one of his eight attempts (including 0 of 5 three-pointers). The two Frenchmen from the Thunder distinguished themselves with 9 points for Theo Maledon in addition to his 4 assists while his teammate Olivier Sarr compiled 6 points and 3 rebounds in 14 minutes.

The results of the night in the NBA

Cavaliers – Hornets : 119-98
Magic – Pacers : 114-122
Sixers – Knicks : 123-108
Rockets – Jazz : 127-132
Bucks – Heat : 120-119
Pelicans – Kings : 125-95
Nuggets – Thunder : 107-119
Suns – Trail Blazers : 120-90