Los Angeles (AFP)

James Harden who scores six points and equal Michael Jordan, a series that ends for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid in double-double mode and the stunning victory of Sacramento against Denver: the main lessons of a lively Saturday evening.

. Harden fan of the sixties

Sixty: as the number of points scored by the NBA superstar during the correction imposed by the Houston Rockets in Atlanta (158-111) in Texas. This is the fourth time that "The Beard" has reached this bar, which allows him to match a certain Michael Jordan in the field. Only two players have done better: former Lakers star Kobe Bryant (6 times), retired since 2016, and Wilt Chamberlain (32), legend of the league in the 60s and 70s. "It's huge. (Joining) these guys are part of my goals," responded Harden, who after the match, interrupted a TV interview to hug Hawks veteran Vince Carter, who has 42 years a 22nd record season in the NBA. The one who had made a memorable dunk over the head of Frederic Weis in 2000 at the Sydney Olympics did not fail to salute the performance of Harden, who posted a mad success shooting (16 successful out of 24 of which 8 / 14 to 3 points). And this, in 30 min 41 sec. "The guy scored 60 points without even playing the fourth quarter, so give me another player to do the same," said teammate Austin Rivers. Harden added 8 assists and 3 rebounds to his performance, against the last of the East conference. In the West, Houston is fourth with 13 wins.

. End of series for Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks consolidated their leadership chair at the Eastern Conference by signing an 11th consecutive victory at the expense of Charlotte Hornets of Nicolas Batum (137-96). But Giannis Antetokounmpo's double-double series ended at 19. The "Greek Freak", MVP (best player) of the 2018-2019 regular season, was however only one unit to extend this series since He scored 26 points and 9 rebounds. Nineteen double-doubles in a row, it's unheard of in the league since the season 1976-1977 and Bill Walton who had then stacked 34. Top scorer of the game against the Hornets, Antetokounmpo was well supported notably by Wesley Matthews (14 points) and Robin Lopez (13 pts, 6 rbds). Batum had to put in the tooth only 2 points (for 2 rebounds and 2 assists) in 13 minutes.

. Joel Embiid and "Phila" garner

The Philadelphia Sixers had a third consecutive victory with the Indiana Pacers (119-116) and Joel Embiid had a twelfth double-double. The Cameroonian interior compiled 32 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. What really put behind his worst game in career, early in the week in the defeat against the Raptors (101-96) during which he was silent (0/11 shots including 0/3 free throws). "I changed my mind," said Embiid, who said he had "more aggression" in his game. At his side, the Australian Ben Simmons also made a double-double, with 15 points and 13 assists, contributing to the success of "Phila" who is fifth in the East.

. Kings overthrow Nuggets

On the Sacramento side, the Kings made a stunning performance to beat Denver Nuggets (100-97) after extra time. The Harrison Barnes / Buddy Hield duo were decisive in this overtime and weighed all their weight on the whole meeting by adding 51 points (30 for Barnes, 21 for Hield). Nikola Jokic's Nuggets (7 pts, 10 rebounds, 6 assists), however, led 17 laps at the break (40-57) but the Kings were able to hang on to get this surprise victory against the second of the conference West.

The results of the North American Basketball Championship (NBA) after the matches played on Saturday:

Houston - Atlanta 158 - 111

Milwaukee - Charlotte 137 - 96

Philadelphia - Indiana 119 - 116

Sacramento - Denver 100 - 97 ap

© 2019 AFP