The Californians showed character to make up 13 units behind in the third quarter, like their winger, who came back from the locker room limping, to plant 17 points in the next (17 rbds).

"He kicked our butts in every way possible," Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said. "It all starts with +AD+. We have a team that can make things happen, but you have to have that central force that can lead the charge... in our case, it's him," Lakers coach Darvin Ham said.

LeBron James, not in a big night at the level of skill (7/19), contributed more modestly (18 pts, 10 rbds).

On the Minnesota side, Rudy Gobert (14 pts, 11 rbds) had to leave his partners in the second half, hit in the right knee after a shock. "I think it's just a bruise. I've often hit my knee, but now it's really painful," he said.

The Lakers, whose record goes for the first time in positive (39 wins / 38 losses) four games from the end of the regular season, make double blow since they steal the 7th place in the West to their victim of the evening who slips to 9th place.

They can still mathematically aim for the 6th position, and therefore directly compost their ticket for the final phases. But Golden State, winner (130-115) of San Antonio, thanks to its "Splash Brothers", Stephen Curry (33 pts) and Klay Thompson (31 pts), seems difficult to catch.

Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant during an NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, in Phoenix, March 29, 2023 © Christian Petersen/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

Brunson eclipses Mitchell

Just like the Clippers (5th), who have the same record as the Warriors (41v/37d), after their setback (108-94) in Memphis. The Grizzlies (2nd) take the opportunity to slightly move closer to the Nuggets, leader defeated in the Suns, in which the rise of Kevin Durant is manifested.

If he had looked a little 48 hours earlier against Minnesota, for his return after three weeks of absence due to a sprained right ankle, this time it was the "KD" we know, author of 30 points on 11/15 shooting.

Devin Booker added 27 pawns for Phoenix, who took advantage of numerous absences on the Nuggets side, led by Nikola Jokic, as well as lieutenants Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.

In the East, the day after the humiliation inflicted on the leader Milwaukee, Boston (2nd) followed with a victory (122-114) against Utah, relying on Jayson Tatum (39 pts at 12/17 shooting, 11 rbds, 3 steals).

Philadelphia, meanwhile, beat Toronto (117-110) by taking advantage of the combined strengths of Joel Embiid (25 pts, 12 rbds) and James Harden (23 pts, 11 rbds). The Sixers extend their lead over Cleveland (4th) beaten at home by New York (130-116).

In this game, the point guard of the Knicks, Jalen Brunson (48 pts, 9 assists), eclipsed that of the Cavs, Donovan Mitchell (42 pts) who did not deserve.

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson during an NBA game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in New York City on March 20, 2023 © Sarah Stier / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/Archives

The New Yorkers consolidate their 5th place, ahead of Brooklyn, winner (124-107) of Atlanta, thanks to Mikal Bridges (42 pts). A precious victory for the Nets who thicken their mattress a little more in front of Miami (7th), well on track to have to go through the playoffs, just like the Hawks (8th), the Raptors (9th) and probably the Bulls (10th), wide winners in Charlotte (121-91).

© 2023 AFP