This victory does a lot of good for LA, which had won only two of its last eleven matches.

A new defeat and the 2020 champion left his 9th place in the West, in favor of New Orleans, which crushed San Antonio (124-91).

It is therefore not so, and even if they do not yet have the assurance of competing in the qualifying play-offs for the play-offs, the Lakers, guided by a survival instinct which has often failed them this season, showed pride to win with the Raptors (7th) never easy to tame at home.

The last three minutes were scorching at Scottiabank Arena, with LeBron James pulling off the big game with eight points in a row (16 in the quarter) including two baskets behind the arc, which allowed his team to stay in the game. blow.

LeBron James scores a 3-point basket despite the defense of Precious Achiuwa of the Toronto Raptors, during their NBA game, March 18, 2022 in Canada Cole Burston GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

"I'm just trying to do what I have to do to win. It's also about having fun. The season hasn't gone the way we wanted," reacted James, who is 20 points short of overtake Karl Malone (36.928) in 2nd place among the best scorers in the history of the League, the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remaining far ahead (38.387).

After Gary Trent Jr (23 pts) believed to offer victory to Toronto with an award-winning shot (116-113), salvation came from the unloved Russell Westbrook, still mocked 48 hours earlier by Minnesota players, for a big "air-ball" (shot that does not touch the basket) at long distance symbolizing its enormous current difficulties.

Embiid mate Doncic

The leader, who had just sent a new brick, after James for his part sent a pass in the public, intercepted, rushed into the camp of the Raptors, slid back his right foot which bit the line at three points, rose and scored the tying basket 3/10th from the buzzer.

The joy of fullback Russell Westbrook after equalizing on a 3-point shot 3/10th from the buzzer on the floor of the Toronto Raptors, during their NBA game, March 18, 2022 Cole Burston GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

In overtime, he also found Avery Bradley for the long-range winning shot.

Two sequences that will be good for the morale of the star, author of a triple-double 22 pts, 10 assists, 10 rebounds).

Among the other notable meetings, Miami, leader in the East still deprived of Jimmy Butler (ankle), quietly beat Oklahoma City (120-108), having counted up to 29 lengths in advance, in the wake of the inevitable Tyler Herro (26 pts).

The Heat, which should soon validate its presence in the play-offs, is still ahead of Milwaukee (2nd) and Philadelphia (3rd) who beat Dallas (111-101), thanks to Joel Embiid (32 pts), well supported by James Harden (24 pts, 13 assists), and their effective defense against Luka Doncic limited to 17 points (5/20 on shots, 10 assists).

Philadelphia Cameroonian pivot Joel Embiid dunks over Slovenian Luka Doncic during their NBA game on February 25, 2021 in Pennsylvania Tim Nwachukwu GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/Archives

The Utah Jazz regained 4th place alone in the West ahead of Dallas, thanks to their very large victory over the Clippers 121 to 92, with a Rudy Gobert who once again cleaned up the racket: 16 rebounds and 19 points at 8 /11 to two points and 100% success in free throws (3/3).

In Brooklyn, where Kyrie Irving still cannot play because he is not vaccinated, Kevin Durant sounded the revolt of the Nets who were led by 18 points in the 3rd quarter by the Blazers, and finally won (128-123).

"KD" finished with 38 points with a formidable address (11/15, 6 rebounds, 6 assists), perfectly supported by Seth Curry, author of seven baskets from long distance (27 pts).

The joy of Brooklyn Nets winger Kevin Durant after a basket scored at home against the Portland Trail Blazers during their NBA game on March 18, 2022 Sarah Stier GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

Brooklyn remains 8th in the East just ahead of Atlanta, which had the last word (120-105) over Memphis, the 2nd in the Western Conference, all without Trae Young (thigh) but with Bogdan Bogdanovic (30 pts) and despite Ja Morant in front (29 pts).

East where rear Evan Fournier contributed to the New York Knicks' narrow victory over Washington (100-97) with 15 points, but with a low shooting percentage (38.5% at two pts ) and 4 assists.

© 2022 AFP