The comeback: the revolt of Batum and the Clippers
When Nikola Jokic scored his two free throws in the middle of the third quarter to bring the gap to 25 points (34-59, 26th), enthusiasm no longer really reigned in the spans of the Crypto.com Arena (ex -Staples Center). But the Los Angeles Clippers had one of the most unlikely comebacks of the season. The Californians relied on a stifling defense and the success of Amir Coffey in attack (18 points, 7 assists). Holder, Nicolas Batum (6 points) scored a first prize-winning shot to return to 12 points (50-62, 33rd) then a second, giving his family five points (86-81, 46th).
Action of the night: the coolness of Brandon Ingram
Deprived of its young star Zion Williamson, New Orleans is having a difficult season in the Western Conference. But the Louisiana public found a smile on Tuesday night against Minnesota (128-125) thanks to Brandon Ingram. The winger (33 points, 9 assists) scored three points from the win, 1”3 from the buzzer, to conclude a hotly contested game. Despite Anthony Edwards (28 points), Wolves lose and fall to 9th place in the Western Conference.
The leader: Chicago corrects Detroit
Nine points ahead at half-time, 46 at the final buzzer (133-87). Against Detroit, Chicago built its overwhelming victory after the break, driven by its success in outdoor shooting (18 of 34, 52%). Leaders of the Eastern Conference, the Bulls have perfectly prepared their shock Wednesday night against the Nets, their dolphins. DeMar DeRozan (20 points, 12 rebounds), Nikola Vucevic (22 points) and Zach LaVine (10) were able to be preserved at the end of the game. For Detroit, Killian Hayes played 33 minutes for eight points, five assists and four steals.
Image of the night: Booker facing the Raptors mascot
Due to health restrictions in Canada, Toronto plays its home matches behind closed doors. Without fans, time goes slower for “The Raptor”, the mascot of the franchise. But facing Phoenix (95-99), the red dinosaur has been talked about.
Led by a point six seconds from the buzzer, Toronto fouled Devin Booker (16 points). His first free throw almost came out of the circle and the back of the Suns had a guilty party: “The Raptor”, accused of jumping before his throws. The dinosaur was told to change places and Booker snapped in his second throw before celebrating Phoenix’s victory on the buzzer. Chris Paul’s teammates (15 points, 12 assists) are now alone in the lead in the West, taking advantage of Golden State’s defeat against Memphis.
Absent: Washington wins without Bradley Beal
For the second time in three weeks, Bradley Beal has been placed in Covid protocol and therefore had to be dismissed by Washington. Without the back, the Wizards still managed to win against Oklahoma City (122-118) with 29 points from Kyle Kuzma and 22 from Spencer Dinwiddie. Shai Gilgeous Alexander’s 32 units, including two layups to tie at 118-118, weren’t enough. Three French people remained on their respective benches: Joël Ayayi in Washington, Théo Maledon and Olivier Sarr in Oklahoma City.
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