The Boston Celtics let a 22-point lead evaporate in the final quarter against Cleveland, and Victor Wembanyama was dominated by Turkey's Alperen Sengun on Tuesday in the NBA.
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The Celtics, the best NBA team this season (48 wins - 13 losses), saw their winning streak end at eleven by collapsing against the Cleveland Cavaliers, winners 105 to 104 after overcoming a 22-point deficit in the last quarter.
The Cavaliers, however, played without their offensive leader Donovan Mitchell.
The little-known Dean Wade was the hero of the evening, with 20 points (out of 23) in the last quarter, between several long shots and a decisive lay-up 19 seconds from time.
“It's good to feel like my teammates have confidence in me to take those shots.
It gave me confidence and motivation,” he said.
Jayson Tatum's 26 points were not enough for the Celtics.
Sengun teaches Spurs a lesson
French prodigy Victor Wembanyama, who remained in two complete and victorious matches, was dominated by Houston pivot Alperen Sengun during the Rockets' victory against the Spurs (114-101).
The young Turk (21 years old), considered with the 20-year-old Frenchman as one of the future stars of the NBA, scored 45 points, his record, taking over Wembanyama, often responsible for defending against him.
The Frenchman was limited to 10 points, 11 rebounds and still 7 blocks, after having been uncertain for the match for a long time due to shoulder pain.
Doncic blazes but loses, Durant decisive
Slovenian Luka Doncic signed a fourth consecutive triple-double with more than 30 points (39 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists), only Russell Westbrook having already done better in the NBA with five in a row.
But Dallas lost a third consecutive game, this time sinking in defense against the Indiana Pacers (137-120).
Long unhappy at long distance (zero out of five for 46 minutes), Kevin Durant woke up at the right time to help the Phoenix Suns achieve a prestigious success on the floor of champion Denver (117-107 after overtime).
First extinguished by Aaron Gordon's defense, Durant drew three points to equalize 27 seconds from time and go into overtime, where he shone with 8 points and two new long-range shots, for a total of 35 points.
Serbian Nikola Jokic (25 points, 16 rebounds) missed the winning shot for the Nuggets before extra time.