Los Angeles (AFP)
The Lakers, thanks to LeBron James who now has more baskets than Wilt Chamberlain, reversed a complicated situation against Denver on Thursday in the NBA, where the surprise came from Philadelphia, defeated by Blazers yet deprived of its stars.
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Strong like the Lakers
Denver, eliminated breathlessly in the Western Conference final in the last play-offs, was keen to take revenge on the defending champion.
But the lead of twelve points at the break was not enough, LA having made a show of force in the second half (68-35) to win 114-93.
As a good "King" leading his troops to victory, James had 27 points (12/19 on shots), 10 assists, 10 rebounds, the 96th triple-double of his career, his 8th at 35 years old, equaling the mark of Jason Kidd.
And he took the opportunity to overtake the legendary Wilt Chamberlain in 3rd place in the ranking for the most shots scored by a player, behind Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
"It means a lot to me, every time I find myself in the same category as the bigger ones. It reminds me of where I come from, when I read the magazines in which were the exploits of those who paved the way. road for kids like me, ”he commented.
In his wake, Dennis Schroeder brought offensively (21 pts) and Anthony Davis focused on defensive tasks (13 pts, 9 rebounds, 3 interceptions, 2 blocks), muzzling Nikola Jokic (13 pts, 10 rebounds).
The Lakers remain 3rd in the West, but increase their lead over Denver (4th).
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Flamboyant like Golden State
The poster promised an offensive festival.
It took place but on one side, since after a first period neck-to-neck (76-74), the Warriors continued to press the accelerator against the Mavericks suddenly run out of fuel (147- 116).
The magicians' duel between Curry (28 pts, 6 assists) and Doncic (27 pts, 6 assists) was balanced but without reaching peaks.
The match having been folded in the 3rd quarter (36-20), they hardly played the 4th, unlike the surprising Kelly Oubre Jr, hot as embers (40 pts, 8 rebounds).
Faced with a defense to absent subscribers, Draymond Green enjoyed himself (15 assists, 11 pts) and Golden State, 7th in the West (12-10), shot more than 57% success.
The urgency points for Dallas, penultimate of this same conference after this 7th setback in eight games.
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Apathetic like Philly
Portland appeared at the Eastern Conference leader without Damian Lillard (sit-ups) and CJ McCollum (foot), nor Jusuf Nurkic, Derrick Jones Jr, Zach Collins, also on the flank.
A formality for the Sixers?
Nay, since it was the Blazers who won (121-105).
Since the start of the season, the 76ers' rare air holes were explained by the absence of Joel Embiid.
But this time not, since the Cameroonian pivot, who was scared in the first quarter with a hyper-extension of the right knee, was still efficient (37 points).
But 31 were in the first period, after which, very lonely (Ben Simmons was forfeited) in the middle of teammates passed through, he did not weigh at all.
Portland, now tied for 4th in the West (12-9), took the opportunity to escape in the 3rd quarter in the wake of Gary Trent Jr (23 pts) and Carmelo Anthony (22 pts), by winning the rebound battle (19 offensives).
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Serene like Utah
Quiet evening for the Jazz, easy winner (112-91) on the floor of Atlanta, where the absence of Trae Young, injured right calf, was cruelly felt.
The 6th man, Jordan Clarkson (23 pts, 7 rebounds), was the most prolific of the scorers of Utah who was also able to count on Bojan Bogdanovic (21 pts, 6 rebounds).
Rudy Gobert had 11 points, 12 rebounds and 2 blocks.
The franchise of Salt Lake City (17-5) consolidates its domination in the West, that of Georgia remains 6th in the East, joined by Charlotte and Cleveland.
© 2021 AFP