The game: Clippers win LA clash
Tyronn Lue has never lost against the Lakers since becoming Clippers coach in 2020. His players won the Los Angeles derby again (125-118), a decisive shock in the playoff race. The two teams had the same record before the meeting and this victory allows the Clips to stand out in sixth place in the Western Conference. Except disaster scenario where they lose their last two matches, they should therefore avoid the play-in and qualify directly for the rest of the competition.
NBA
Two defenders on the poster: Ja Morant made his explosiveness speak again
YESTERDAY AT 07:26
Despite the absence of Paul George and the current form of the Lakers, the Clippers were able to gain the upper hand by creating two big gaps during the game. LeBron James (33 points) and his comrades came back once, but not twice. They picked up without equalizing and Kawhi Leonard (25 points) gave a boost in the middle of the fourth quarter, when the Lakers began to regain confidence. Norman Powell was instrumental with 27 points off the bench. Russell Westbrook, who reunited with his former teammates, played just 21 minutes but finished with 14 points.
Players: Doncic and Irving keep Mavericks hopes alive
Dallas has not yet been eliminated from the play-in race, and can therefore still dream of the playoffs. The Mavericks won a crucial game against the Kings last night (123-119). A shot expected to stay at rest, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were the main architects of this success. They compiled 60 points between them: 29 for the Slovenian and 31 for the American. The latter even scored 19 points in the last quarter to make the difference for good.
The Texas franchise fell 13 points in the third quarter but Irving and Doncic kept their team afloat in the game, eventually putting it in control. An award-winning final field goal from the former Nets point guard sealed the Kings’ fate. The Mavericks are still eleventh, but they have the same record as the Thunder two games from the end.
The comeback: The Pelicans qualify for the play-in after recovering 19 points
Very nice victory for the Pelicans against the Grizzlies after extra time (138-131) last night. Beautiful but above all very important, because this success allows New Orleans to validate a place in the top ten of the Western Conference and therefore to play at least the play-in. The evening started badly for the Pelicans, however, led by 19 points during the game and 17 at the break.
They regained their delay in the second half, thanks in particular to the address of Herb Jones. The young winger, best known for his defensive skills, broke his career high by scoring 35 points with 5 three-pointers. CJ McCollum (31) and Troy Murphy (30) also hit the 30-point mark. Together, they withstood 40 points from Jaren Jackson Jr. The Pelicans notably started overtime on a 10-0 to climb to victory.
The performance: The Celtics validate their second place in the East
Beaten by the Sixers the day before, the Celtics recovered in stride by beating the Raptors on Wednesday night (97-93). Malcolm Brogdon scored 29 points off the bench and Jaylen Brown added 25, with 11 rebounds. The Celtics are now certain to finish second and they will have home advantage until the Conference Finals, if they ever win their first two playoff series.
The trio: Grimes, Toppin and Quickley impress
The young players spotted by the Knicks are starting to take the bottle. They even become essential to the success of the franchise, guaranteed to finish fifth in the East this season. Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin and Quentin Grimes each scored over 30 points last night. Respectively 39, 36 and 32. Or 107 cumulative points out of the 138 scored by New York against Indiana (138-129). Their development represents excellent news for the organization.
The French: Little success
Small offensive game from Killian Hayes, limited to 4 points and 2 of 8 on shots against the Nets. He still delivered 6 assists. Nicolas Batum also lacked skill (1 of 7) but he helped the Clippers beat the Lakers by compiling 5 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. Evan Fournier played 11 minutes for the Knicks without scoring. He has not scored a basket in the NBA since February 6.
All scores
Pistons – Nets : 108-123
Pacers – Knicks : 129-138
Hawks – Wizards : 134-116
Celtics – Raptors : 97-93
Bucks – Bulls : 105-92
Pelicans – Grizzlies : 138-131
Mavericks – Kings : 123-119
NBA
Embiid, a step towards the title of MVP
YESTERDAY AT 05:05
NBA
Where are the Mavericks going? Where is Doncic going?
YESTERDAY AT 08:00