Another NBA night and another recap by BM. Eight matches were played during the night and all were valid for the NBA Cup. Below are all the results and their recaps.
BOSTON CELTICS-WASHINGTON WIZARDS 108-96
Second win out of three in the NBA Cup group for the Boston Celtics who beat the Washington Wizards. Not one of the best performances of the season for the Celtics but they demonstrate that they are a great team by still managing to snatch the victory. Game that was essentially decided at the end, thanks to the 33-24 run in the last period scored by the green and whites. Mazzulla’s team finds 31 points from Brown, useful to make up for an inaccuracy in the team’s shooting that could have cost them dearly (24% from three and 0/10 from the arc for Jayson Tatum). Jordan Poole’s 23 aren’t enough for the Wizards.
BROOKLYN NETS-PHILADELPHIA 76ERS 98-113
The streak of consecutive defeats for the Philadelphia 76ers stops at 5, capable of defeating the Nets and avoiding premature elimination from the NBA Cup. Also in this match it is the last quarter that is decisive, with the partial of 34-21 inflicted by the 76ers against Brooklyn. For Phila, still orphaned by Embiid and George, the best is the rookie McCain, who ends the race with 30 points. Cam Johnson’s 37 were useless for Brooklyn, to which must also be added the 7 turnovers by him and Schroder, which yielded 28 points for Philadelphia.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS-NEW ORLEANS PELICANS 112-108
Perfect track record for the Warriors in the NBA Cup, which secures their place in the next qualifying phase. Kerr’s team withstood the blow of the Pelicans well (with their thirteenth defeat in the last 15), capable of fighting until the end. For Golden State the best is Andrew Wiggins, who closes the match scoring 30 points, which are added to Steph Curry’s 19. Murphy III’s 24 aren’t enough for the Pelicans.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS-HOUSTON ROCKETS 88-116
The Houston Rockets’ excellent run of form continues, with their second win out of two in the NBA Cup and winners in seven of the last eight. In overwhelming the Blazers, the biggest contribution came from the best Dillon Brooks of the season (28 points), which are added to the usual great contribution from the bench (22 for Eason). The “best” for the Blazers is Sharpe, who finishes with 13 points.
ATLANTA HAWKS-CHICAGO BULLS 122-136
The Chicago Bulls’ fast in the NBA Cup ends, capable of winning the first match in their history in the new competition introduced last year. Against the Hawks there was a great offensive team performance, which saw the entire quintet finish in double figures. There are in fact 26 points for LaVine, 20 for White and Dosunmu and 18 for Giddey and Vucevic. Atlanta ends the long trip with a 1-4 record, but is still fully in the running for the NBA Cup (2-1).
INDIANA PACERS-MILWAUKEE BUCKS 117-129
Fifth victory in the last six for the Bucks who further confirm that they have returned to the level everyone expected. Against the Pacers comes a great performance from 3-point shooting (17/36), which leaves Indiana no room and condemns them to their fifth defeat in the last six. The real Giannis Antetokounmpo is finally back, author of a triple double of 37 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Added to the Greek’s great performance are Damian Lillard’s 24 points and 12 assists and Gary Trent Jr.’s 18 points. Pascal Siakam’s 25 are in vain for the Pacers.
DALLAS MAVERICKS-DENVER NUGGETS 123-120
Nikola Jokic’s return to the Nuggets was not enough to overcome the Dallas Mavericks, who passed 123-120 at the Ball Arena in Denver. Orphans of Doncic, the Mavs lead the game by 24 points at the start of the second half, before the Nuggets comeback that puts Jokic and his teammates ahead by 5. In the final, Malone’s team stumbles and Dallas is good at taking advantage: victory number 2 in the NBA Cup. For the Mavs, Washington’s 22 and Irving’s 19 are fundamental, which do not make Klay Thompson’s terrible evening too noticeable (0 points in 23 minutes). Jokic’s 33 and Westbrook’s 16 are not enough for Denver, paying for Jamal Murray’s bad offensive performance (14 points with 4/16).
SACRAMENTO KINGS-LOS ANGELES CLIPPER 88-104
Fourth home win for the Clippers who beat the Sacramento Kings without too many fuss. Great defensive performance from Harden and his teammates, who limited Sacramento to just 29 points scored in the first half. The Los Angelesnians relaxed in the second half, seeing their lead reduced from 25 to 7 points, but held firm and controlled the lead until the end. For the Clippers the best is Barba himself, author of 22 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists; Fox’s 29 are useless for the Kings.
in photo Giannis Antetokounmpo
Of Diego Loretelli
