Clean and smudge-free
Such is the stinging setback (126-101) inflicted by LA on Brooklyn, which has established itself as its biggest potential rival, by dint of resounding recruitments, LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin having followed in James Harden's footsteps.
The latter was the only major absent from the Nets armada (thigh) and he was terribly lacking.
Especially since Kyrie Irving (18 pts) found a way to be excluded in the 3rd quarter, for two technical faults, after courtesies exchanged with Dennis Schroeder (19 pts), also sent back to the locker room.
For his second game, after 23 missed due to a hamstring tear, Kevin Durant was effective (22 pts, 7 rebounds, 5 assists), but not yet at full speed.
Under these conditions, Aldridge (12 pts, 3 blocks) suffered in his tough duel with Andre Drummond (20 pts, 11 rebounds) and Griffin was non-existent offensively (2 pts), in a clumsy team behind the arc (18 , 5%).
"Our aggressiveness in defense made the difference," said Drummond, who had just been recruited in recent weeks to solidify this sector.
“They were more intense physically, we were not competitive from that point of view.
It's a great lesson to learn, ”added opposing coach Steve Nash.
Double-double (20 PTS, 11 REB) for @AndreDrummond in the @Lakers road W vs.
BKN!
# LakeShowpic.twitter.com / HLiLdXqnSF
- NBA (@NBA) April 11, 2021
The Lakers, eight of whom have scored at least 10 points, remain fifth in the West.
Brooklyn once again shares first place in the East with Philadelphia, an easy winner in Oklahoma City (117-93).
Joel Embiid (27 pts, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks) was preponderant.
Thunder side, beaten for the 6th time in a row, seventeen points were enough to make Darius Bazley the most prolific player of his camp.
Mitchell shines again on Utah
Author of 41 points in the defeat to Phoenix, 37 for the victory against Portland, Donovan Mitchell this time planted 42 to allow the Jazz to overcome Sacramento (128-112) after a second one-sided period (69 -47).
The point guard was not alone in defeating the Kings who are six in a row, as Mike Conley added 26 points.
Rudy Gobert was used very little in attack (6 pts), but did the job in defense (11 rebounds, 2 blocks).
The undisputed leader in the West, Utah is the first team in the league to reach the 40-win mark (13 losses) and is still ahead of Phoenix, which has recovered well from its loss 48 hours earlier at the Clippers, beating easily Washington (134-106).
Devin Booker (27 pts) was the offensive leader of the Suns, while opposite Russell Westbrook again managed a triple-double (17 pts, 14 assists, 11 rebounds), his 11th in 14 matches, the 22nd this season, 13 lengths off Oscar Robertson's all-time record (181).
Curry awakens the Warriors
Author of 23 of his 38 points in the 3rd quarter, Stephen Curry allowed Golden State to defeat Houston (125-109).
His duel with John Wall (30 pts) was high level, with actions of a tightrope walker like his basket in imbalance after having passed the ball in the back.
Since he is no longer bothered by a pain in the tailbone, the leader is at 36.8 points (54% success on shots), 7.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists over the last five games.
☔️ @ StephenCurry30 (38 PTS, 8 3PM) heats up for 23 in the 3rd quarter as the @warriors prevail vs.
WOW!
# DubNationpic.twitter.com / cdqqI1AKbb
- NBA (@NBA) April 11, 2021
Thus, the Warriors cling to 10th place in the West, the last synonymous with qualifying play-offs for the play-offs, while still being able to mathematically aim slightly higher.
The 6th, which avoids going through dams, is certainly far and property of Portland, which disposed of Detroit (118-103), thanks in particular to 24 points and 30 (!) Rebounds by Enes Kanter.
Read also
Left free by New York, Poirier joins Real Madrid
