Stats & Highlights | Chicago finds its defense, Washington sinks with its own

A few hours after celebrating Gregg Popovich’s historic victory, the Spurs faced the Pacers with a B team. Indiana logically took advantage of it.

At the worst time in the play-in race, the Wizards are skating. They collect 127 points in Portland and this is their third loss in a row. For the Blazers, it’s a first victory for almost a month!

Finally Alex Caruso is back in Chicago and we can see the difference since the Bulls defended very well against the Cavaliers.

Miami – Minnesota
Golden State – Milwaukee
Denver – Toronto
Utah – Sacramento

Chicago – Cleveland : 101-91

Even without Zach LaVine (embarrassed by his knee) and with a DeMar DeRozan for once less brilliant, the Bulls were able to dismiss the Cavaliers. They did it by relying on their defense, taking advantage of the return of Alex Caruso. DeMar DeRozan, clumsy, still started the Bulls with 17 points in the first half and a shot at the buzzer.

The Bulls were thus 11 points ahead at the break and as Nikola Vucevic was in good shape, with 20 points and 14 rebounds, Billy Donovan’s players managed the second period. Cleveland has never been threatening.

San Antonio – Indiana: 108-119

The day after the historic victory against Utah, Gregg Popovich decided to do without Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson and Jakob Poeltl, all rested. Inevitably, it becomes complicated without them. Nevertheless, after a first half spent chasing the Pacers, especially after Duane Washington Jr.’s three award-winning baskets, the troops of the most successful coach in history ended the period with a 14-2.

In this weak time, Indiana then loses too many balls but still retains a seven-point lead at the break. At the start of the second period, Rick Carlisle’s men recovered and passed a 12-4. The gap is made and the Pacers will manage until the end of the game.

Portland – Washington : 127-118

Finally a victory for the Blazers! After having chained the big defeats since the All-Star Break, Portland finds the victory with a gala Josh Hart, author of 44 points, his career record. The fullback starts strong with seven points scored in one minute and ten seconds in the first quarter.

As the Wizards do not defend (103 points conceded after 36 minutes), other teammates benefit since Trendon Watford (27 points) and Drew Eubanks (20 points) also achieve their best career performance. There will be a reduction in the gap at the start of the last act, but Washington has never made the necessary stops to afford a chance of winning.