Atlanta returned to victory in California. The Geneva pivot is to be credited with a “normal” performance.
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Clint Capela (in red) storming the basket. Damian Jones is helpless.
Two days after losing in Portland, the Atlanta Hawks of Clint Capela – but still deprived of Trae Young – won in Sacramento (108-102), Wednesday night in the NBA. The Geneva pivot, who was aligned for a little over 26 minutes, made a normal copy: 11 points (5 of 9 shooting) and 14 rebounds.
The Brooklyn Nets, with Kyrie Irving back, for their part found their way back to success after three straight losses to beat the Indiana Pacers 129-121, and Golden State fell heavily in Dallas against the Mavericks, winners 99-82.
In Indianapolis, all eyes were on Irving. Reluctant to vaccination, he had missed the first 35 matches of the season for his team, which until then did not wish to call on him, as long as he would not be eligible for all matches.
The leader of the Nets remained 32 minutes on the floor. He took a little time to regain his rhythm, but finally scored 22 points, including 10 in a fiery final quarter for Brooklyn, where his contribution was then very valuable.
Led by 7 points after the third quarter, the teammates of Kevin Durant, author of an XXL performance with 39 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, won this last quarter 35-20, and reversed the course of a part seeming very badly started for them.
But Irving still refuses to be vaccinated and remains banned from participating in home matches, in accordance with health regulations in force in New York State. He will be absent from the Nets’ next two home games, against Milwaukee on Friday and San Antonio on Sunday.
Warriors’ attack extinguished
The defending Bucks remain despite this second loss in a row, 3rd in the Eastern Conference. But the Miami Heat (4th), winner in Portland, comes back strong. The Raptors, still 12th last week, sign their fourth straight victory and move up to 7th place in the Eastern Conference.
In Dallas, the Mavericks paid due tribute to their German star Dirk Nowitzki, now retired and member of the NBA champion team in 2011, whose jersey flanked by the number 41 was removed in a moving ceremony.
With an efficient Luka Doncic, author of 26 points, they won their fourth straight game to drop Western Conference leader Golden State.
The Mavericks stifled the Warriors’ attack, where Stephen Curry was incredibly and unusually awkward, hitting just five of his 19 attempts, including just one of nine at three points, for a total of 14 points unworthy of his status.