The (bad) spiral: the Lakers still beaten
After another victory for his team in the All-Star Game, the return to current affairs is delicate for LeBron James. The “King” and the Los Angeles Lakers largely lost Sunday at home against the New Orleans Pelicans (95-123). Without Anthony Davis, still injured in the foot, James scored 32 points but was far too alone against the collective effort of the Louisiana players. Brandon Ingram (19 points), one of the players traded to Davis in the summer of 2019, and CJ McCollum (22 points) led their teammates to a quiet victory.
Unsatisfied with the performance of its players, the Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) regularly booed them during the second half. “At halftime, I told my children to go to bed, I don’t want them to get into bad habits (in basketball). They will have nightmares if they watch this game“, released former player Richard Jefferson, commentator for ESPN. Ninth in the West (27 wins – 33 losses), the Lakers are under threat from the Pelicans and Portland (25-36 both) for the last qualifying place for the play-in, the play-off round before the play-offs.
The action: Jokic’s laser pass
In control against Portland (124-92), Nikola Jokic gratified the public of Oregon with a fantastic caviar of which he has the secret. Served at the low post and in the duel against Drew Eubanks, the Serbian pivot turned to send a laser pass across the field to Monte Morris, demarcated behind the three-point line. Launched at full speed, the ball passed into the hands of CJ Elleby. Unfortunately for Jokic (8 points, 17 rebounds, 11 assists), Morris missed his winning shot but the action still made the rounds on social media.
The action (bis): Hayes serves Olynyk at the buzzer
Detroit launched its reconstruction around Cade Cunningham, number 1 of the last draft. With a workforce below the NBA average, the Pistons (15 wins – 46 losses) are heading for a new high-placed draft pick in June. But Dwane Casey’s team manages to pick up a few victories, like this Sunday in Charlotte (127-126, ap). With two seconds left in overtime, French point guard Killian Hayes (6 points, 7 assists) found Kelly Olynyk for the game-winning shot at the buzzer.
La surprise : Indiana domine Boston
Best team in the Eastern Conference since the start of 2022, Boston fell Sunday night on the Indiana floor (107-128). The Celtics sank in the second quarter, taking a series of award-winning shots from Oshae Brissett (27 points) and Tyrese Haliburton (22 points, 9 assists). Ime Udoka’s men miss the opportunity to return to Milwaukee in fifth place in their Conference. Indiana remains 13th, a good distance from the qualifying places for the play-in.
The performance: Reggie Jackson guides the Clippers
The Clippers cling to their eighth spot in the West. Still deprived of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell, the California franchise won in Houston (99-98) after a tight end to the game. Reggie Jackson took responsibility with a half-range shot to give the Clippers the lead 1’25” from the buzzer. After a decisive counter by Ivica Zubac (14 points, 15 rebounds, 6 blocks), Jackson ensured the victory of the Angelenos on the free throw line. Nicolas Batum scored five points and grabbed five rebounds on Sunday.