The comeback: New Orleans frustrates the Lakers
« I don’t know how I managed to finish the game. Victim of a sprained ankle early in the second quarter, LeBron James (39 points) gritted his teeth to last 42 minutes on the floor. But the efforts of the “King”, who reached the bar of 37,000 career points, were not enough. The Lakers have again let slip a match within their reach, this time against the Pelicans (108-116). Los Angeles, however, led by 23 points after a lay-up from Russell Westbrook (65-42, 21st).
But the return of Brandon Ingram (26 points) and the efforts of rookie Tre Murphy (21) were too much for Frank Vogel’s players late in the game. New Orleans (9th, 32 wins – 43 losses) takes the opportunity to overtake its victim of the evening (10th, 31-43), which it could find in two weeks during the play-in, the play-off round before the play-offs .
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For the 17th time this season, the Lakers have lost a game despite 30 or more points from LeBron James.
The spoiled return: Irving frustrated in Brooklyn
The Barclays Center audience had not seen Kyrie Irving ball in hand since June 7, 2021, in the Conference semi-final against Milwaukee. After the vaccine mandate was lifted in New York, the wait ended on Sunday evening. But “Uncle Drew” and the Nets were trapped by Charlotte (110-119) and fell to ninth place in the Eastern Conference, behind the Hornets. Lacking skill (6 of 22 shooting), Irving finished with 16 points and 11 assists. More successful, his vis-à-vis LaMelo Ball scored 33 points. A prize-winning shot from Terry Rozier 47 seconds from the buzzer sealed the Nets’ loss.
The shock: Dallas expels Utah from the top 4
Like Boston, Dallas has found its chemistry since New Year’s Eve. The Mavericks have won 72% of their matches (29 wins – 11 losses) and have finally settled into the top 4 in the West, thanks to of their success against Utah (114-100). Without Rudy Gobert, injured in the right leg, the Jazz could not follow more than half time the rhythm imposed by Luka Doncic (32 points, 10 rebounds) and the Texans. With 46 wins and 29 losses, the Mavericks (4th) can still hope to catch up with Golden State (3rd, 48-27) before the end of the regular season on April 10.
Declared: “I’ve never been in a team that plays less well when I’m on the floor, but here we are” (Draymond Green)
Traveling to Washington, Golden State conceded its fifth defeat in six matches (115-123), the fifth consecutive for Draymond Green, absent in the victory in Miami (118-104). The former defenseman of the year finished with 7 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, but the Warriors trailed by 20 points when he was on the line.” I play very badly. I’ve never been on a team that plays worse when I’m on the court, but here we are Green said after the game. The return of Stephen Curry (injured to a foot) is eagerly awaited in California.