The match: The shock and a record for OKC
Oklahoma City gave even more credence to its ambitions to win the NBA title this season. The Thunder defeated Boston, the reigning champion, after a perfectly controlled second half in front of their home crowd on Sunday evening (105-92). The Celtics had however taken the match from the right end, leading by 10 lengths at the break (55-65) under the leadership of Jaylen Brown, author of 21 points before the break. But he would never find the path to the basket again afterward as the Thunder intensified its defense to turn the situation around in the last two quarters.
A comeback which bore the mark, as often, of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Canadian, author of 33 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, largely contributed to the Thunder's return, returning to the lead at the dawn of the fourth quarter. He didn't let go, counting in particular on two winning shots from Lu Dort to take the lead (100-88) two minutes from the end before maintaining his advantage. A remarkable success, synonymous with a record for OKC, which scored 15 victories for the first time in its history and consolidated its position as leader of the Western Conference (30 victories, 5 defeats).
The player: Monk disgusts Curry and the Warriors
With De'Aaron Fox out for a fourth straight game, Malik Monk took charge for the Kings. The Sacramento guard compiled 26 points and 12 assists to guide his team to a great success in the Golden State Warriors room (99-129), deserted by his fans well before the end of the meeting. Stephen Curry (26 points) and his team never found the solution to stop Monk, perfectly supported by a still imperial Domantas Sabonis (22 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists).
At state: 10
Cleveland continues its dream season. The Cavaliers signed a 10th consecutive victory by overcoming the Charlotte Hornets (115-105) led by Donovan Mitchell, author of 17 of his 19 points after the break. The most impressive thing is that each of these ten successes was acquired by more than 10 points. However, this is not the best series for the Cavs, who started the season with a series of 15 consecutive victories. They have the best record in the NBA with 31 wins and 4 losses.
L'action : Van Vleet A SURGI DEVANT LeBron
He had read everything, and that allowed Houston to avoid an annoying evening. The Rockets, who led by a moment of 22 points against the Los Angeles Lakers, almost lost to the Californian franchise. But their leader Fred van Vleet signed the interception they needed in front of LeBron James 7 seconds from the end of the match to ensure the success of the Texans (119-115).
The French: Sarr struggles for nothing
Alex Sarr did the job but it wasn't enough. Despite the remarkable stats line of the 2nd choice of the last draft (18 points on 6/9 shooting, including 3/6 three-pointers, 11 rebounds, 3 assists), the Washington Wizards lost in their room against to the New Orleans Pelicans (98-110). Tidjane Salaun was entitled to 22 minutes of playing time for the Charlotte Hornets coming off the bench, with a little clumsiness (2/8 shooting) but a decent performance (6 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist).
