Without LeBron James (abs) for eight games - he could return to Boston on Friday - Los Angeles showed a better face than in the humiliation suffered Monday at Staples Center against Chicago.
But what to do when Giannis pulls out the muscles and the artillery that goes with it to crush everything?
Not much.
The “
Greek Freak
” was the MVP level he was in 2019 and 2020 and the hero of the NBA Finals won in July against Phoenix, scoring 18 of his 23 attempts (9 rebounds).
“
I wanted to be the aggressor on the pitch.
I wanted to initiate contact, impose myself in the racket (where he scored 30 points)
”, synthesized Antetokounmpo, who also defended very well, evidenced by this spectacular cons inflicted on Anthony Davis.
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The latter was insufficient, except during the third quarter during which he managed 12 of his 18 points to allow the Lakers to take the advantage in the score (79-78).
His shooting success was however excellent (9/15, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks), perhaps he missed the second wind necessary to carry his own in the money-time.
Finally, only Talen Horton-Tucker (25 pts, 12 rebounds) made Milwaukee doubt.
The Wisconsin franchise, which also benefited from the contribution of Khris Middleton (16 pts, 6 assists), back after contracting Covid-19, remains eleventh in the East.
Much higher, at the top, Washington fell to Charlotte (97-87) who had also beaten the leader of the West, Golden State, on Sunday. Led by six points at the break, the Hornets (5th) inflicted a lethal 30-14 on the Wizards in the 3rd quarter. Because their defense was also very dissuasive, with only 36 points conceded in the second period. Terry Rozier (19 pts) and Miles Bridges (17 pts) guided Charlotte to her fourth straight victory. Opposite, for his return after two missed matches (family mourning), Bradley Beal was the offensive leader (24 pts), but too lonely. Washington takes advantage of Chicago's loss to Portland (112-107) to keep the lead, now followed by Brooklyn (11-5) winner of Cleveland (109-99).
The Nets, who had a 21-unit lead at the break before slacking off somewhat, were a little reassured the day after the basketball lesson received against the Warriors and Stephen Curry. James Harden was their best scorer (27 pts, 10 rebounds), Kevin Durant did not force (23 pts at 9/16). “
The good thing is we won. We must continue to progress, without looking for an excuse,
”called“
The Beard
”.
In fourth place, Miami tip (10-5). Jimmy Butler, recovered from a sprained right ankle, made a dazzling comeback with a triple-double (31 pts, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) which largely helped the Heat to secure a third success in a row against Nova Scotia. Orleans (113-98). Finally, Phoenix garnered a tenth victory in a row (105-98) at the expense of the Mavericks, deprived of Luka Doncic (ankle). Devin Booker (24 pts, 9 rebounds) was decisive at the end of the match for the Suns, still second in the West (11-3). A small hole was created behind, with four teams at 9 wins and 5 losses: Utah, Dallas, the Clippers and Denver.
The results of the night:
Phoenix
-Dallas 105-98
Atlanta
-Boston 110-99
Brooklyn
-Cleveland 109-99
Miami
-New Orleans 113-98
New York-
Orlando
98-104
Portland
-Chicago 112-107
Minnesota
-Sacramento 107 -97
Oklahoma City
-Houston 101-89
Charlotte
-Washington 97-87
Detroit
-Indiana 97-89
Milwaukee
-LA Lakers 109-102
