Los Angeles (AFP)

Brooklyn, wide winner of Charlotte (111-89) Thursday night in the NBA, consolidated its new first place in the Eastern Conference, securing a 20th home victory in a row, while their Philadelphia dolphins held firm in Cleveland ( 114-94) and that the Clippers disillusioned against Denver (94-101).

Yet deprived of James Harden, hit Wednesday night in a thigh, and still Kevin Durant, the Nets swept their opponents in the first quarter (32-11), then controlling the meeting, thanks in particular to Jeff Green (21 points ).

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"Tonight we did what was expected of us by starting straight away," said Green. "We turned saves and baskets of defense into offensives and that has benefited us."

The Nets, who played in their Barclays Center in front of an audience reduced to 1,700 people because of the Covid-19 pandemic, lined up for the first time LaMarcus Aldridge, from the San Antonio Spurs.

With 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists, he significantly contributed to the Nets' 20th victory in 23 games.

The Hornets, for their part, had a difficult third quarter with just 17 points scored, Gordon Hayward and Devonte 'Graham each scoring 13 points overall, to Terry Rozier's 12.

Philadelphia for its part kept contact with the Nets at the head of the Eastern Conference by going to seek victory from the Cleveland Cavaliers.

"It's been a hell of a good trip for us," said coach Doc Rivers.

Shake Milton came off the bench to score 27 points on his own.

Set Curry for its part passed 19 points, including 5 three-point baskets, ahead of Dwight Howard (18 pts, 15 rebounds).

This success allows the 76ers to end their series of away games with four wins and two losses.

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Joel Embiid, absent since March 12, has once again missed his teammates.

"We did well to resist without our + giant +," said forward Tobias Harris, however.

The return of the Cameroonian star after his left knee contusion, which occurred against Washington in mid-March, is "close", said Doc Rivers, without giving further details.

The Cavaliers have for their part found Kevin Love who scored 13 points after eight games without playing, all in the first quarter.

Collin Sexton for his part passed 24 and Dean Wade 16, making 8 rebounds.

In the other games of the night, the Atlanta Hawks beat the San Antonio Spurs (134-129) in two extra time, during which Trae Young scored 15 points out of a total of 28.

The score was also tight between Denver and Los Angeles, the Nuggets finally triumphing over the Clippers 101 to 94, despite an ubiquitous Kawhi Leonard (24 pts, 12 rebounds, 4 assists).

In Denver, Jamal Murray was the best scorer (23 pts), well helped by Michael Porter Jr (20 pts) and Will Barton (19).

Finally, in New Orleans, Orlando won (115-110), also after extra time, with six players over ten points, despite the 31 points for the Pelicans of Nickeil Alexander -Walker.

In the standings, Brooklyn is still ahead of Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference, while in the West the Jazz is still ahead of the Phoenix Suns.

© 2021 AFP