Los Angeles (AFP)

James Harden still ardent for Houston, Paul George already the hot hand for the Clippers, Gregg Popovich who sees red with San Antonio: the temperatures of the night were raised Saturday in NBA.

. Harden and Houston chained

Even falling back into his offensive through shooting all-va (41 times) and despite a less convincing address than in the last two games (16 baskets registered including 8 of 22 three points), Harden remains a hellish machine to score, able to explode the defenses.

In Minnesota, where his foolish midfielder Russell Westbrook did not play, his 49 points contributed greatly to the 10th success of the only Lakers dolphins Rockets (125-105).

At full speed, the strategy of the "6 seconds or less" (for shooter) set up by Mike D'Antoni is paying for the time for Houston.

. Paul George wears the Clippers

Kawhi Leonard still absent to preserve one of his sore knees, Paul George took his responsibilities for his second game with the Clippers, the first at the Staples Center where he was very acclaimed.

And he did not disappoint. With 25 points scored in the break, 37 in total for just 20 minutes on the floor, it allowed Los Angeles to spend a very quiet evening in Atlanta (150-101), where Trae Young, very clumsy to 4 out of 16 shots, was limited to 20 points.

The Clippers who returns to victory after two defeats, climb to 6th place in the West.

. First female Spurs

The Spurs are in the hard: they conceded a fifth straight loss, against Portland (121-116) at the AT & T Center, starting too far after a first quarter completely missed, lost 41 to 23.

Coach Gregg Popovich, who was particularly upset, was banned for protest in the third quarter, leaving Becky Hammon, his first assistant, to lead the team, along with assistant Tim Duncan. A first in the NBA, where so far no woman had held this position.

That did not stop San Antonio from giving in to the Blazers, whose fans are now awaiting the first steps of veteran Carmelo Anthony, recruited Thursday.

. Dallas pulls himself together

Luka Doncic, who scored a full-scoring 26-point, 15-rebound, seven-pass game, led Dallas back to victory after two defeats at Toronto's expense (110-102).

Kristaps Porzingis was also helpful with 20 points and 15 rebounds, to muzzle Raptors and back Norman Powell author of 26 points. The Mavs climb to 7th place in the West.

. "Batman returns"

This is the good surprise of the day frenchies: Nicolas Batum has returned to the floor three weeks after having fractured the middle finger of the left hand.

And he was a double winner. First, Charlotte won against New York (103-102), thanks to the 9th basket Devonte 'Graham scored 2.8 seconds from the buzzer. Then, his performance on the bench was productive: 3 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 interception, 1 against.

Encouraging for the one who must find a role of manager in rebuilding Hornets and now in balance with seven victories and as many defeats. Frustrating for the other Frenchman who was facing him, Frank Ntilikina.

The leader, holder and still very active in defense (6 pts, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals) concedes his 10th setback and stagnates in last place in the East.

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