This second defeat of the season (106-102) resulted from a fourth quarter where the Hornets defense muzzled the Warriors attack (27% success). As a symbol, Stephen Curry only made one basket out of eight attempts (in the end 24 pts, 7/22 on shots, 10 assists), while Andrew Wiggins, yet in verve (28 pts, 12/19) did not know how to weigh in the money-time.
Charlotte can thank Terry Rozier, ghostly in the first period and then sparkling with 20 points scored, taking over from Miles Bridges (22 pts, 8 rebounds) and LaMelo Ball (21 pts, 7 rebounds, 5 assists).
With this 3rd win in a row, the Hornets (8-7) are 8th in the East. The Warriors (11-2) remain leaders in the West, followed by the Suns (9-4) who swept the Rockets (115-89), relying on Devin Booker (26 pts) and JaVale McGee (19 pts, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks).
Applied, solid and still as well balanced, the finalist team of last season shows that it remains impervious to the shocks born of the allegations of racism and sexism, aimed at its owner.
Just behind Denver points (9-4) which crushed Portland (124-95), the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic flaunting the talent that we know him (28 pts, 9 assists, 9 rebounds).
In Los Angeles, 48 hours after the humiliating defeat conceded against Minnesota at Staples Center, the Lakers recovered against San Antonio (114-106) to remain 7th (8-6).
– Brooklyn and Chicago win –
In the absence of LeBron James for the sixth consecutive game (abs), Anthony Davis (34 pts, 14/24 on shots, 15 rebounds) guided the Californians. “I wanted to dominate the game and push the team forward. That’s the kind of effort that all of us, bench players, star players, shadow players have to do,” he said. called.
Russell Westbrook was as usual multi-card (14 pts, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 7 lost balls) and Talen Horton-Tucker, recovered from a broken thumb, started his season well (17 pts).
In the clash of the day in the East, between two struggling leaders, Atlanta took revenge on Milwaukee (120-100), which had eliminated it in the last Eastern Conference final.
She bears the seal of Trae Young, in verve behind the arc (8/13) and active on all fronts (10 assists, 8 rebounds), well helped by John Collins (19 pts, 6 rebounds) in a one-sided match unique.
On the Bucks side, the defections of Khris Middleton (Covid-19) and Brook Lopez (back) were still felt, despite the return of Giannis Antetokounmpo (26 pts, 6 assists), who was dragging ankle pain.
Atlanta, which is ending a six-game losing streak, remains 13th (5-9), behind the 11th Bucks (6-8).
Much higher, Brooklyn consolidated 2nd place by marching on Oklahoma City (120-87), where Kevin Durant, who played eight seasons for the Thunder, was still dominant (33 pts, 8 rebounds), despite a shoulder painful right.
At his side, Patty Mills feasted behind the arc by beating his personal best (9/12, 29 pts), and James Harden controlled (16 pts, 13 assists).
The Nets are ahead of Chicago (3rd), winner with the Clippers (100-90), carried by DeMar DeRozan (33 pts, 11/15, 8 rebounds) and Zach LaVine (29 pts, 7 rebounds).
On the LA side, Paul George (27 pts, 11 rebounds) was not enough.