Leaders of the Eastern Conference, the Bucks rallied from an eight-point deficit at the turn of the fourth quarter and cruised to victory with 17 points from Lopez (out of 26 overall).

Antetokounmpo finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to consolidate Milwaukee's first place (51 v-20 d) ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers.

For the Raptors, 9th in the East, Fred VanVleet was the most prolific with 23 points.

In the other games, Austin Reaves scored 35 points, a new personal best, and allowed the Lakers to bounce back in Orlando (111-105) two days after the slap inflicted by Dallas.

Against the Magic, the same scenario as against the Cavs failed to repeat itself with a tie at 101-101 with 2:39 left, but Reaves pulled out the big game by scoring the last ten points. Anything remains possible for the Lakers, 10th in the West.

"From now on, every game becomes crucial and every win too," said the hero of the day. "The key will be how we approach meetings. If we focus on what we need to do, we have what it takes to be one of the best teams in the league."

Atlanta still in the race

In Portland, the Trail Blaizers' playoff desire took a hit with a 117-102 loss to the Clippers. The Oregon franchise is 13th in the West.

With 40 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander thundered in the Oklahoma City Thunder's 124-120 victory in the second half of the game against the Phoenix Suns, who led by 15 points. Despite his 46 points, Devin Booker felt a little lonely.

Oklahoma City player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander attempts a shot against the Phoenix Suns on March 19, 2023 in Oklahoma City © Ian Maule/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

While Phoenix remains 4th in the West, this success is reassuring for Oklahoma, 8th in the conference with many franchises standing in a handkerchief.

Nikola Jokic's 28th triple-double of the season (22 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists) helped Denver, the serene leader in the East, to a 108-102 win at the Brooklyn Nets.

Already qualified, the Nuggets will strive during the last three weeks of the regular season to maintain their rank.

In San Antonio, Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell each scored 29 points and contributed greatly to the Spurs' stunning 126-118 win over Atlanta, which failed to capitalize on its 24-point lead.

However, this does not change much for the Texas franchise, already eliminated. Atlanta, 8th in the East, remains in the race.

© 2023 AFP