Los Angeles (AFP)

The Jazz had the final say against the 76ers in a thrilling clash between leaders of the Western and Eastern Conference on Monday in the NBA, where the Clippers and Brooklyn confirmed their current good form.

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Jazz on a very high note

Without the inside star Joel Embiid, author of his best season but injured in the back, Philly defended his skin dearly, taking a big start (42-35) before the Jazz ended up winning (134-123), demonstrating collective resources that are not limited to Donovan Mitchell (24 pts) and Rudy Gobert (11 pts, 9 rebounds).

It was the 6th man Jordan Clarkson who was the offensive engine with his 40 points (8/13 behind the arc) in 29 minutes.

And it took a performance of this size to compete with Ben Simmons.

The leader of the Sixers ended up close to a big triple-double (42 pts, 12 assists, 9 rebounds).

And when Philadelphia got closer to five lengths in the money-time, it was Royce O'Neale, very discreet until then, who came out of his box with three three-point shots (11 pawns in total) assassins, Gobert having meanwhile taken care of defending the house with a big counter inflicted on Dwight Howard.

More than a mark bordering on excellence, 19/20 is the number of victories / matches that Utah, the best team in the championship (23-5), can currently be proud of.

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Nets and Clippers go on

Brooklyn and Los Angeles, despite some significant absences, have garnered a third straight victory for one, a fourth for the second, respectively in Sacramento (136-125) and against Miami (125-118).

Kevin Durant nursing a calf, Kyrie Irving was the most prolific for the Nets (40 pts) against the Kings, with an impressive 9/11 from long distance and James Harden added a triple-double to his collection (29 pts, 14 assists, 13 rbds).

Frenchie Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot added 8 points (2 rebounds).

Deprived of four holders, Kawhi Leonard (leg), Paul George (toe), Nicolas Batum (concussion) and Patrick Beverley (spared), the Clips showed pride and combativeness against the Heat, in the image by Marcus Morris (32 pts) and Ivica Zubac (22 pts).

Miami (10th) was however able to count on Jimmy Butler in triple-double (30 pts, 10 assists, 10 rebounds), and Bam Adebayo as well as Tyler Herro in tune (27 pts each), but the energy was Californian.

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Randle sets New York on fire

He is the symbol of revitalized Knicks, after years of purgatory.

Author of a superb season, Julius Randle was once again excellent to allow his team to win a third success in a row against Atlanta (123-112).

The winger weighed heavily with his 44 points (9 rebounds, 5 assists), including 11 in the last quarter.

His seventh successful shoot behind the arc in the money-time repelled the Hawks, which were still threatening despite the lackluster performance of Trae Young (23 pts, 6/19 on shots).

NY (14-15) consolidates its 6th position in the East.

Paying a 4th consecutive defeat, Atlanta unscrews in 11th place, overtaken by Chicago (9th) who won after extra time (120-112) at Indiana (4th), thanks in particular to 30 points (8 rebounds) from Zach LaVine.

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Beal without mercy for Wall

Revenge since his transfer to the Rockets, John Wall was keen to show the Wizards they were wrong to no longer believe in him, but his return to Washington was marred by Bradley Beal, who led the franchise from the capital. to victory (131-119).

Wall showed a lot of envy and managed 29 points (11 assists) for Houston, but could not prevent the 6th consecutive defeat of the Texans, synonymous with slipping to penultimate place in the West.

Because opposite Beal has again justified his status as the league's top scorer, with 37 points scored, 14/24 on shots (8 rebounds, 3 interceptions).

Russell Westbrook, arrived in exchange for Wall in Washington, made him a triple-double (16 pts, 15 assists, 13 rebounds).

With this second consecutive victory, the Wizards leave the red lantern in Detroit in the East.

© 2021 AFP