The player: Fifth triple-double in a row for Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic's statistics are worthy of a video game. However, they are very real: the Nuggets pivot did indeed compile 35 points, 22 rebounds and 17 assists during the victory against the Kings (132-123) last night. His fifth triple-double in a row. And each time, he was already more than 10 units in three different statistical categories before the fourth quarter even started.
Because Denver is unplayable when its maestro accumulates points, rebounds and assists. It's not just its fifth consecutive triple-double, it's above all the fifth victory in a row for the Colorado franchise, which is returning to the top of the Western Conference. She is still fourth but is increasingly asserting herself as a favorite for the title. The Nuggets took cover in the third quarter and won without forcing despite the Kings' late comeback.
Nikola Jokic has compiled 20 triple-doubles this season, including 14 in just three quarters. He is in the NBA top-3 in points, rebounds and assists.
The match: Mavericks exploit in Oklahoma City
In free fall with 11 defeats in the 15 matches played in the absence of Luka Doncic before last night, Dallas caused a sensation by winning in Oklahoma City on Thursday (115-121). The Mavericks were playing without their best player but also without Derek Lively and Klay Thompson. That did not prevent them from dismissing the Thunder under the leadership of their back duo. Spencer Dinwiddie scored 28 and Kyrie Irving 24. Still very comfortable against the Thunder, PJ Washington scored 22.
The Texan franchise first took advantage of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's clumsiness at the start of the game. The Canadian superstar, author of 54 points the day before, missed 10 of his first 15 shots. The Mavs then remained in contact with their opponents and were 2 short lengths behind at the break. They accelerated in the third quarter, the only one to their advantage throughout the game. The late awakening of SGA, which finished with 31 points, changed nothing. Dallas did not crack.
The Mavericks are establishing themselves as a beast of the Thunder. In addition to having eliminated OKC in the second round of the playoffs last year, Jason Kidd's players have won 3 of the 4 confrontations between the two teams this season. 3 victories against the Thunder, a team which has only lost 8 matches since the resumption in October.
-The series: 5 in a row for Milwaukee
The Bucks are fueling. Fifth game in a row with 120 points or more and fifth success in a row for the Wisconsin franchise, which dominated Miami (125-96). The Heat got off to the best start last night (3-18) but the Floridians were unable to do absolutely anything against Milwaukee following the awakening of Damian Lillard. The All-Star point guard did not score in the first 18 minutes of play. However, he finished with 29 points, but also 9 rebounds and 11 assists. His hot shots gave momentum to the Bucks, who rolled in the second quarter but also the next two. Giannis Antetokounmpo added 25 points and 12 rebounds.
The shock: The Lakers dominate their rivals the Celtics
Freshly named to the major five for the All-Star Game, Jayson Tatum and LeBron James faced each other on the floor of Los Angeles on Thursday evening. A duel which turned to the advantage of the King, more incisive to allow the Lakers to clearly gain the upper hand over the Celtics (117-96). James finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists compared to 16 points for Jayson Tatum.
The French: Sarr and Coulibaly beaten by Batum
The Clippers dominated the Wizards without surprise. Bilal Coulibaly still scored 15 points in addition to his 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Alexandre Sarr posted 14 points and 10 rebounds. Opposite, Nicolas Batum scored 3 points.
All scores
Magic – Trail Blazers : 79-101
Hawks – Raptors : 119-122
Thunder – Mavericks : 115-121
Bucks – Heat : 125-96
Nuggets – Kings : 132-123
Lakers – Celtics : 117-93
Warriors – Bulls : 131-106
Clippers – Wizards : 110-93
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