Los Angeles (AFP)
The Slovenian prodigy Luka Doncic, easy winner of New Orleans with Dallas, continued his irresistible ascent by matching a thirty-year-old record of legend Michael Jordan on Saturday in the NBA.
. The record
Luka Doncic is 20 years old and has genius in her hands, the world of basketball is starting to know it. The latest proof is this 18th game in a row with at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, equaling Jordan's record in 1989.
If he beats him Sunday against Sacramento, Doncic will add him to the one, more impressively, of the greatest number of triples-doubles achieved by a player under 21 years. Before his birthday on February 28, he is fifteen, more than Magic Johnson and LeBron James, who had achieved "only" seven and five before their majority.
After just over a year in the league, the best rookie last season, is already a serious candidate for the MVP title against LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis or James Harden.
Against the Pelicans, the leader was "content" with 28 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds in 26 minutes to contribute to the fifth consecutive success of the Mavericks, still second in the West. More importantly, they have just won 10 of their last 11 games, which has not happened to them since the 2010-2011 season, that of the NBA title.
. The momentum
James Harden never doubts, even in the evenings when his address is at half mast, and he usually chooses the "money-time" to be decisive. Illustration during the victory of Houston against Phoenix (115-109) where he scored 18 of his 34 points in the last quarter. What to forget an 8/27 shooting.
The Rockets, who remain fifth after the second-ranked success, also had Russell Westbrook, who scored his third triple-double in three games (24 pts, 14 rebounds, 11 assists), his sixth this season.
Phoenix, with this 11th loss for so many victories, slipped to 8th place.
. Awakening
After three consecutive defeats, including a heavy (-25 pts) against the Lakers, Utah has recovered by winning against Memphis (126-112). A 13th success that took shape in the 2nd quarter (37-18).
Donovan Mitchell (22 pts, 4 rebounds) and Rudy Gobert (19 pts, 11 rebounds, 5 assists) were the strong men of Jazz, firmly anchored in 6th place in the West.
. humiliation
Cleveland, at bay, conceded the fifth-biggest loss in Philadelphia's history (141-94), 47 points clear.
To say that the 76ers have wandered against the Cavaliers who bear their name badly is a euphemism. In the absence of Joel Embiid (hip), Ben Simmons was pleased with 34 points, 7 assists in 26 minutes and he even managed the 2nd basket at three points of his career!
"Phila" remains fifth, before receiving Sunday defending champion Toronto. The Cavs, to whom various American media intend to let Kevin Love go, are penultimate with Atlanta.
. Frustration
Julius Randle missed a free kick at the last second and New York pulled out the extra time. But Indiana, who can thank the 5 counters of Myles Turner, still won (104-103), also thanks to 25 points TJ Warren and 19 points, 15 rebounds Domantas Sabonis.
No shock for the Knicks, for the first match of Mike Miller, appointed interim coach after the dismissal of David Fizdale. But the current seems at least back after the "blackout" experienced during the last two corrections suffered against Milwaukee and Denver.
Frank Ntilikina, still titular, was discreet (2 pts, 4 rbds, 4 assists).
The results of the North American Basketball Championship (NBA) after the matches played on Saturday:
Utah - Memphis 126 - 112
New York - Indiana 103 - 104
Philadelphia - Cleveland 141 - 94
Houston - Phoenix 115 - 109
Dallas - New Orleans 84 - 130
© 2019 AFP