The big blow: the Phoenix Suns raise their heads against the Philadelphia Sixers
After three consecutive losses, concern was in order in Arizona: until then rather serene in the West, the Phoenix Suns saw the specter of an end to the season dawning to fight for a place in play-in then that they seemed promised a direct qualification for the play-offs. The reception of the Philadelphia Sixers, in the heart of a series of three losses, did not look easy for the men of Monty Williams when their end-of-season schedule is very busy.
The absence of James Harden on the visitors’ side, combined with the huge match of pivot Bismack Biyombo (17 points, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks) – replacing Deandre Ayton (hip) – finally tipped the balance in favor of the locals, who really broke away at the end of the third quarter. Opposite, Tyrese Maxey was particularly highlighted (37 points at 14 of 19 in shooting) in relay from Joel Embiid, helpless despite good individual statistics (28 points at 8 of 19 in shooting, 10 rebounds).
The great success of Devin Booker’s teammates (29 points) gives them a breath of fresh air in the standings: with a record of 39 wins for 35 losses, they are fourth in the West, ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State. Warriors (39v-35d) and with two wins ahead of three pursuers (Minnesota, LA Lakers, New Orleans, at 37v-37d).
Clash of the East: Brooklyn surprises Miami
End of negative spiral also for the Brooklyn Nets, who remained on five consecutive defeats before achieving one of the big blows of the evening, on the floor of the Miami Heat: a big victory (129-100) which allows them to return to the six first in the East (40v-34d) by overtaking in the standings… the Heat (40v-35d). Six visiting players (FInney-Smith, Johnson, Bridges, Claxton, Dinwiddie and Sumner) scored at least 12 points. Except surprise, the sixth place, qualifying directly for the play-offs, will be played, now at a distance, between Brooklyn and Miami. Atlanta, 8th (37v-37d) and beaten earlier in the evening, seems too far.
39-18
This is the score of the only third quarter between Miami and Brooklyn, in favor of the Nets. The latter dominated the second half with a score of 64 to 31.
The series: New Orleans passes the fourth
In the category of teams who are playing their all out to secure a place at the minimum in the play-in, the New Orleans Pelicans seem able to pull off a nice coup. On the floor of the Los Angeles Clippers, still deprived of Zion Williamson, the players of Willie Green delivered the perfect match, dominated from start to finish for a comfortable victory (131-110). Brandon Ingram (32 points, 13 assists) and Trey Murphy 3 (32 points including a 10 of 12 three-pointers) were the main contributors to this victory, as was Jonas Valanciunas (17 points, 13 rebounds) while CJ McCollum bordered the triple-double (21 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists).
Brandon Ingram versus Terance Mann. (Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports)
With four consecutive victories, the Pels have now returned to equilibrium (37 wins, 37 losses) and are in 9th place in the Western Conference. The lead over the first non-qualifier for the play-in, Dallas (36v-38d) is still very thin. Monday’s trip to Portland will be most important in the middle of a four-game road trip that will end with two much more difficult meetings: at Golden State and then with the Denver Nuggets.
The race to play-in: Jazz on the verge of rupture
Not far from New Orleans, two wins (35v-39d), Utah is not completely eliminated from the race for qualification in the West, but its current form does not invite optimism. The trip to the Sacramento Kings, third (45v-29d) was anything but easy, and the Salt Lake City franchise conceded a third defeat in a row (121-113).
Domantas Sabonis signed a double-double. (D. Yamashita/USA Today Sports)
A result all the more logical as the Jazz played for the second time without its Finnish winger Lauri Markkanen, hit in the hand. Opposite, the starting five of Sacramento did everything (94 points), Domantas Sabonis signing at the same time a new double-double (16 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists). Monday, Utah receives Phoenix, and will then move three times, including twice in the East (Boston then Brooklyn). A full-bodied program.
The French: Batum still effective at three points
After a nice long-range 4 of 6 against Oklahoma City in its previous game, winger Nicolas Batum did it again on Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans. A second 4 of 6 in the exercise for 13 points (1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 interception) in 20 minutes spent on the floor. An insufficient success to allow his people to hope against the Pelicans. Second Frenchman to play for the Clippers, Moussa Diabaté was content with 8 minutes on the floor, for 2 points, 1 interception and 2 fouls.