Los Angeles (AFP)
LeBron shining in front of Bryant, the Lakers sparkling against Atlanta and sparkle themselves at the top of the standings: the NBA party was starred Sunday in Los Angeles.
. The demonstration
Few times when Kobe Bryant decides to go play the Lakers. So when the former boss was applauded at his appearance at the Staples Center, it had the gift of motivating LeBron James in the easy win against Atlanta (122-101).
Shoot ten meters, alley-hoop in the stratosphere, penetration in the middle of three defenders, pass blind, against after return barrel ... LeBron did the show, harvesting the applause of a hilarious Kobe, not to mention weigh on the meet with 33 points, 12 assists and 7 rebounds).
In a match where the Hawks did not exist with the exception of Trae Young (31 pts), the other Lakers to have distinguished themselves are Anthony Davis (14 pts) very active in defense (5 counters) and Rajon Rondo ( 15 pts) at the bench exit.
With their best start since 2010, the Lakers dominate the West with the best record in the League (11 wins, 2 losses).
. Destiny
For a few millimeters and less ... The float launched by Marcus Smart buzzer could have returned and offer Boston a 11th consecutive success in Sacramento. Except that the ball went slowly out of the arch on which it bounced, allowing the Kings to end their opponent's streak, while bringing theirs to five successes in a row.
The Bahamian leader Buddy Hield, author of 35 points, largely contributed to the snatch victory of the Californians (100-99). In the money-time, he scored his seventh basket three points of the game, to turn "Sac'to" leading 96 to 95. The pivot Richaun Holmes was the coup de grâce by scoring two free throws to 13 seconds buzzer.
Boston remains ahead of the Eastern Conference, ahead of Miami and Milwaukee.
. The MVP
In Denver, he is often Serbian and his name is Nikola Jokic. But this time it is Jamal Murray, so far slightly below its standards this season, which has multiplied to allow the Nuggets to win widely in Memphis (131-114) and consolidate their 3rd place in the world. 'Where is.
Three days after a poor 1 in 11 shootings against Brooklyn, the leader was transfigured. He scored 39 points, his best total of the season, 14 of 24 shots (7 of 12 behind the arc), 8 assists and 3 steals.
"I felt he was going out of the woods and shooting at a high level of success," complimented his coach Mike Malone, also noting that his player did not lose a ball.
. The cripples
The match between New Orleans and Golden State had more pace in the infirmary than on the floor, with seven wounded Warriors side (Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Angelo Russell, Kevon Looney, Evans Jacob, Damion Lee, Alen Smailagic and as much Pelicans side (Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Derrick Favors, Josh Hart, Jahlil Okafor, Darius Miller).
In the end it was New Orleans who won (108-100), thanks to 26 points of his veteran JJ Redick, pushing a little more Golden State in the last place in the NBA, with 12 losses in 14 games.
. Frenchie
Evan Fournier crosses a good pass. Two days after scoring 26 points against San Antonio, he added 25 to Orlando's 125-121 win over Washington.
The back, so far somewhat angry with his long-range shot, managed a encouraging 5 of 8 at three points, adding 9 assists. An offensive impact (with Nikola Vucevic, 30 pts, 17 rbds) which contributes to the virtuous series of three wins of rank of Magic, 7th in the East.
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