NBA: Clippers fall again, Bucks miraculously come out of it

LA cracks at the end

Without Paul George (ill), but with Kawhi Leonard (22 pts) recovered from his back spasms, the Clippers led for a long time in Washington, counting 13 lengths at the break, before running out of gas in the money-time and finally s 'tilt (119-117).

The league's leading scorer, Bradley Beal, justified his status with 33 points (7 rebounds) in the bag, while the other star of the Wizards (12th in the East), Russell Westbrook, touched the triple-double (27 pts, 11 assists, 9 rebounds).

On the Californian side, the activity of Patrick Beverley (17 pts) and Ivica Zubac (13 pts, 13 rebounds) were not enough.

Nicolas Batum did what he could (9 pts, 5 rebounds, 4 assists).

So much so that following this third defeat in a row, the Clippers fell to 4th place in the West, leaving Phoenix to take off in 2nd position after having discarded Golden State (120-98) and seeing Portland approaching (5th ) Sacramento faller (123-119) thanks to Damian Lillard (44 pts).

Denver travels well

Although deprived of several important players (Campazzo, Millsap, Green, Harris), the Nuggets did not struggle to win their 4th straight road trip victory in Indiana (113-103).

It was Michael Porter Jr. who was the most prolific for Denver (24 pts, 11 rebounds), Nikola Jokic contenting himself with adding 20 points (12 rebounds, 8 assists).

Jamal Murray also contributed (23 pts).

On the Pacers side (10 in the East), Domantas Sabonis was more discreet than usual offensively (10 pts), but his 10 assists and 10 rebounds are worth a triple-double.

The Nuggets, 6th in the West, take the opportunity to overtake San Antonio (7th), defeated in Oklahoma City (107-102), where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points and Théo Maledon added 7 (6 rebounds, 5 passes).

Boston is doing much better

Faced with strongly deprived Raptors (VanVleet, Siakam, Anunoby), but combative, the Celtics garnered a 4th consecutive success (132-125), taking advantage of an excellent shooting skills (60.8% success).

Jayson Tatum was their offensive leader (27 pts, 12 rebounds), well assisted by Jaylen Brown (21 pts, 7 rebounds).

Opposite, the 30 points of substitute Chris Boucher could not prevent the second loss in a row for Toronto (8th), which gives up its 6th place to Miami, winner in New Orleans (103-93) by relying on Jimmy Butler (29 pts) decisive in the money-time.

In front of them in the East, Boston consolidates its 4th position, still followed by New York, which beat Detroit (114-104), thanks in particular to Julius Randle (27 pts, 16 rebounds, 7 assists).

In the duel between Frenchies, Frank Ntilikina scored 9 points for the Knicks and Sekou Doumbouya scored 10 for the Pistons.

Holiday saves the Bucks

When he managed his double step 7.3 seconds from time, Ja Morant did not have time to celebrate the short advantage - which he imagined decisive at 111-110 - that Jrue Holiday had stormed off on the throw-in. , has already entered his shoot at mid-distance in the other basket 25 meters behind.

And that's how, five seconds later, Milwaukee had the last laugh against Memphis (112-111).

For the Bucks (3rd in the East), who remained on a humiliating defeat at home against Denver, this victory is all the more good as they started strong (31-17), before leaving their opponents. catch up then lead, for 11 minutes 58 seconds in the last quarter.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (26 pts, 11 rebounds, 8 assists) was very active, assisted by Khris Middleton (22 pts, 10 rebounds) and Holiday (15 pts).

Vainly carried by Morant (35 pts), Memphis (10th in the West), who was hoping for a third victory in a row, can blame himself for lacking defensive lucidity.

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