Luka back in force! Suns executioner Lauri Markkanen; Joel Embiid wins his duel against Giannis; And 9 for Boston

11 matches on the program tonight, here we go!

Lauri Markkanen was huge with a career-best 38 points including an unlikely shot at the end of 24 seconds with 38.5 seconds remaining) in a narrow win over Phoenix. At 58.2% on shots over the first 3 quarters, the Suns only shot 10/27 in the last quarter, and lost a crucial ball in the last minute. Author of 45 points in the first 3 quarters, Devin Booker only scored 2 free throws and a “bank shot” at the buzzer in the last 12 minutes. Boston with 27 points and 10 rebounds from Jaylen Brown, 26 points from Derrick White, 19 points and 10 assists from Jayson Tatum and 18 points from Al Horford dominated New Orleans for a 9th victory in a row! The Celtics posted an impressive 20/46 from 3-point range. The gap rose to 19 points.

The evening ended with a victory for the Lakers ofAnthony Davis (38 points at 10/16, 18/21 at LF, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks), accompanied by 5 teammates with at least 10 points, including Lonnie Walker (17) and Russell Westbrook (10 points and 12 assists). Opposite Killian Hayes signs a good match with 18 points at 7/14 (4/6 at 3-points) and 9 assists. Cleveland ended its 5-game losing streak by winning after 2 overtimes against Charlotte, with two big performances from its Mitchell duo (34 points at 11/22, 4 rebounds, 6 assists) – Garland (41 points at 16/26, 6 assists and 5 steals but 8 turnovers) as well as an Evan Mobley at the rendezvous (21 points, 18 rebounds, 5 assists). The Cavs squandered a 10-point lead in the final minute of the 4th quarter.

Philadelphia with 32 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists Joel Embiid came back from a 13-point deficit against the Bucks. Embiid compiled 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the second half. Tyrese Maxey had 24 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists but twisted his ankle on a drive just before halftime. Giannis Antetokounmpo (25 points, 14 rebounds) ended frustrated by his performance at LF: 4/15. Back, Luka Doncic directly planted a triple-double, his 50th career: 33 points at 11/22, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. The Mavs went 29-14 to the Nuggets to finish a second quarter at 44 points and return to the locker room with an 18-point lead. Denver, without Jokic, Murray and Gordon, never went below 12 points behind then.

Golden State regained its hall and victory, 111-101 against the Knicks, with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists. Stephen Curry20 points and 7 reboundsAndrew Wiggins and 10 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 blocks from Draymond Green. Klay Thompson started with a 4/6 on shots to finally finish 11 points to 20 points at 8/16 against a New York team limited to 34.5% on shots. Washington won in overtime with 27 points from Bradley Beal and 20 points and 17 rebounds from Kristaps Porzingis against Miami. The last points of the match were scored 2’48 from the end of the OT on 2 shots by Kyle Kuzma. Orlando beat Chicago on a game winner signed Jalen Suggs. Memphis with 25 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks from Jaren Jackson beat OKC but also lost Ja Morant to a sprained ankle.

Celtics – Pelicans 117-109