Los Angeles (AFP)

Brooklyn, carried by its formidable duo Harden / Durant, defeated Milwaukee and Giannis Antetokounmpo in a breathless NBA shock on Monday, on Martin Luther King Day, a public holiday in the United States marking the anniversary of the birth of the black American Reverend .

Since its establishment in 1986, set for the third Monday in January, the North American League has become a major player in this day of commemoration, during which clubs, players and coaches carry out various actions and participate in the national dialogue on racial equality, while offering a show on the floors.

And there was one in Brooklyn, where MLK gave a speech in February 1963 entitled "The American Dream", a preamble to his "I have a Dream" proclaimed in Washington six months later.

At the end of a superb suspenseful final, the Nets had the last word against the Bucks (125-123) thanks to a basket behind the arc of Kevin Durant (30 pts, 9 rebounds), served by James Harden (34 pts, 12 assists).

"The Beard" became the first player in history to score at least 30 and 10 in these categories in his first two matches on a new team.

Without Kyrie Irving, who could return Wednesday after seven games without playing, Brooklyn (5th) is gaining momentum.

- Amazing Warriors -

Milwaukee, who gives up first place to Boston, missed the victory by nothing, the attempt at the buzzer of Khris Middleton (25 pts) rolling on the hoop before leaving.

Antetokounmpo released an MVP match that he is (34 pts, 12 rebounds, 7 assists), but to no avail.

In Los Angeles, where MLK came in 1965 to calm the spirits after the riots at Watts, Golden State brought down the Lakers (115-113), despite being 16 lengths behind at the break.

A comeback made possible by the defensive absences of LA, evidenced by the 50% shooting success of the Warriors who could count on Stephen Curry (26 pts), not always skilful at long distance (3/12) but who has knew how to plant the fatal banderilla in the last seconds.

Opposite, LeBron James (19 pts) and Anthony Davis (17 pts, 17 rebounds) sinned offensively.

Toronto, Canada's only team - a country that MLK has described as "paradise on the road to freedom" - is doing better after its third consecutive victory against Dallas (116-93), thanks in particular to a Kyle Lowry found (23 pts ).

Mavs side, defeated for the 3rd time in a row, it grimaces like Luka Doncic, inside (15 pts, 9 assists).

In Memphis, where MLK was assassinated on April 4, 1968, the Grizzlies won a fifth straight game against Phoenix (108-104).

Ja Morant (17 pts, 10 rebounds) was decisive in the final seconds.

- Surprising Spurs -

In Miami, the first city in the country to organize a parade in tribute to Martin Luther King in 1977, the Heat recovered after three straight defeats, beating Detroit (113-107) in the wake of Bam Adebayo (28 pts , 11 rbds).

In Portland, where MLK spoke in 1961 words whose resonance remains very strong 60 years later - "we must learn to live together like brothers or perish like fools" -, the Blazers fell against San Antonio (125-104) .

The great collective mastery (4 players between 20 and 22 points) of Spurs (5th) got the better of the solo work of Damian Lillard (35 pts).

In New York, where MLK gave a speech which remained famous against the Vietnam War in 1967, only the victory was good for the Knicks at the expense of Orlando (91-84).

Julius Randle was again their strong man (21 pts, 17 rebounds).

In Chicago, where MLK fought against discriminatory real estate practices, the Bulls relied on Zach LaVine (33 pts, 7 assists) to win (125-120) against Houston, where Victor Oladipo made his debut (32 pts, 9 passes).

In Atlanta, finally, where Martin Luther King was born on January 15, 1929, the Hawks, dressed for the occasion in a jersey flocked with his initials, beat Minnesota (108-97), thanks in particular to Trae Young (20 pts , 13 assists).

© 2021 AFP