The San Antonio Spurs were overthrown by Chicago and Dallas, now deprived of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, suffered a fifth loss.
The Spurs crack against the Bulls
Despite a Victor Wembanyama in good shape, the San Antonio Spurs spoiled a match they had in hand on the floor of the Chicago Bulls, victorious 114 to 110.
The Bulls came back from a 19-point deficit and only led in the last minute of the game thanks to Coby White (23 points) who played against Wembanyama’s defense on two consecutive actions, including a poster dunk.
Wembanyama had previously confirmed his good form with a complete match (23 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, 8 blocks), showing himself to be very present in the protection of the circle, with two blocks on Nikola Vucevic in the first minutes.
The 21-year-old Frenchman distinguished himself with a dunk in the first period, then showed skill from afar, but he missed a very long shot to equalize 5 seconds from time.
The Spurs, who still had a 15-point lead at the start of the 4th quarter, suffered against the skill of Zach LaVine (35 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists) and wasted on the free throw line (2 on 6 in the last quarter).
San Antonio (18 wins – 18 losses) falls to 10th place in the West before a trip to Milwaukee on Wednesday.
Dallas suffers without its stars
Deprived of Luka Doncic (calf) and Kyrie Irving (back), the Dallas Mavericks, finalists in the spring, lost heavily on the Memphis Grizzlies floor (119-104), also deprived of several players including Ja Morant (shoulder) .
Jaren Jackson Jr. (35 points, 13 rebounds) allowed the Grizzlies to consolidate their 3rd place in the West (24-13), inflicting the “Mavs” with their 5th consecutive defeat.
According to ESPN, Kyrie Irving is suffering from a bulging disc and could miss up to two weeks of competition, while Doncic has been suffering from a calf strain since the NBA Christmas party. Dallas remains 6th in the West (20-16).
Minnesota rebels
Manhandled at the start of the match by the Los Angeles Clippers, the Minnesota Timberwolves turned the match around for a narrow success (108-106) at home.
Anthony Edwards led the charge with 37 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists, assisted by Naz Reid (18 points) against Norman Powell’s 25 points.
For his second game of the season with the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard scored 8 points in 20 minutes.
Triple-double pour Antetokounmpo
The Greek Giannis Antetokounmpo validated his fourth triple-double of the season (11 points, 12 rebounds, 13 assists), the 49th of his career, for a success for Milwaukee in Toronto (128-104) which consolidates its 5th place in the ‘East (18-16).
Also in the East, the Orlando Magic, although affected by a cascade of injuries, surprised the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden (103-94) thanks to Cole Anthony (24 points, 7 rebounds).
Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson (24 points each) were unable to compensate for the last minute package for the Knicks of Karl-Anthony Towns, who suffered a knee injury.
Sacramento at the end of the suspense
The Sacramento Kings managed to come back from 17 points behind in the last quarter to snatch victory after two overtimes against the Miami Heat (123-118).
DeMar DeRozan was the hero of the Kings with 30 points, showing himself dazzling during the 2nd overtime with his team’s last 9 points thanks to shots that were fiercely defended.
Monday’s results
Brooklyn – Indiana 99 – 113
New York – Orlando 94 – 103
Toronto – Milwaukee 104 – 128
Chicago – San Antonio 114 – 110
Memphis – Dallas 119 – 104
Minnesota – LA Clippers 108 – 106
Detroit – Portland 118 – 115
Philadelphia – Phoenix 99 – 109
