Los Angeles (AFP)

Russell Westbrook mercilessly for the Lakers of LeBron James, the recital of Giannis Antetokounmpo against Philadelphia or even the nerve of Zion Williamson in Chicago, the cadors of the NBA, confirmed or in the making, enjoyed themselves on Thursday.

. Westbrook teaches Lakers a lesson

The Rockets have resources. When James Harden is in a bad night (14 points), Houston coach Mike D'Antoni can count on Russell Westbrook. The Rockets' N. 0 sickened the Lakers at the Staples Center in the 4th period and ended the game, won 121 to 111, with 41 points after missing their team's previous game due to an injury to a hand.

Westbrook surpassed the symbolic mark of 20,000 points in this game since his NBA debut. Better still, he became the third player in history after Oscar Robertson and LeBron James to have exceeded 20,000 points, 7,000 assists and 6,000 rebounds.

But it was another NBA legend that inspired Westbrook, Kobe Bryant, who disappeared in his helicopter accident in late January.

"Kobe was a mentor, friend, brother and every time I come to this room I will play clearly for him," said Westbrook, who was born and raised in Long Beach, near Los Angeles. .

For his first match in his new jersey after the "mega-deal" involving twelve players and four teams, Robert Covington crucified the Lakers in the "money time" with two three-point baskets.

If Houston aligned a fourth victory in a row, synonymous with 4th place (33 v-18 d), the Lakers can no longer chain successes. The Californians have lost three of their last five games, but remain leaders of the Western Conference (38 v-12 d).

Anthony Davis scored 32 points and captured 13 rebounds, while "King James" was limited to 18 points, but distilled 15 assists.

. Milwaukee torments Philadelphia

Nothing is going well for the Sixers who are slowly but surely moving away from the first places of the Eastern conference.

They conceded a fourth straight loss to Milwaukee (112-101) to slide to 6th place (31 v-21 d) and once again showed that they were traveling very poorly (9 v-19 d).

"We lack mental strength," said bitter coach Brett Brown.

It must also be said that they came across Giannis Antetokounmpo, excited and eager to make forget the insult of Christmas when Philadelphia had humiliated his Bucks 121 to 109. The MVP in title scored 36 points and captured 20 rebounds, its fifth straight game where he exceeds 30 points and 15 rebounds, a first in the NBA since 1985.

"We are the best NBA team, we have the best record (44 v-7 d, Editor's note) of the Championship," launched the Greek phenomenon.

. Zion inspired by Jordan

For his first game in Chicago, in the room where Michael Jordan won six NBA titles, Zion Williamson was not intimidated.

The new NBA prodigy led New Orleans with 21 points to a victory against the Bulls (125-119). He was reduced by a foot injury, but that didn't stop him from finishing the game with an impressive 9-11 shooting and knocking out the Bulls in the third period with nine points.

New Orleans, boosted by the return of injury from Williamson who missed the first three months of the season, can still believe in the play-offs: the Pelicans are 11th (21 v-31 d).

. The "Frenchies"

The duel between Frank Ntilikina and Evan Fournier turned to the advantage of the oldest: Fournier scored 16 points, against only two to the Knicks' leader, limited to 14 minutes of play. But it was the Knicks who won 105 to 103 against Orlando and who chained a third victory in a row.

Orlando is 8th (22v-30d), while the Knicks who sacked their president and are going through yet another crisis behind the scenes, remain trapped at the bottom of the ranking (13th, 16v-36d).

NBA results after the matches played on Thursday:

LA Lakers - Houston 111 - 121

New York - Orlando 105 - 103

Portland - San Antonio 125 - 117

Chicago - New Orleans 119 - 125

Milwaukee - Philadelphia 112 - 101

© 2020 AFP