Aurélie Sacchelli, Media365, published on Saturday December 14, 2024 at 8:43 a.m.
Victor Wembanyama and Bilal Coulibaly scored 28 and 27 points, respectively, in San Antonio's win at Portland and Washington's loss at Cleveland. The NBA night was also marked by the Lakers' defeat in Minnesota and Denver's victory over the Clippers.
The two former Boulogne-Levallois players were in great shape on Friday for their team's return to the regular season after a five-day break due to the NBA Cup. Starting with Victor Wembanyama, author of 28 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, who greatly contributed to San Antonio's victory in Portland (116-118), which allows the Spurs to stay in the race for the play-in. The Texans led for a large part of the match, before experiencing a catastrophic third quarter (46-28), which allowed Portland to lead by 17 points (105-88) with 8'29 remaining. And yet, San Antonio managed to snatch victory. The Spurs signed two 11-0s a few minutes apart to take the lead (112-109) 2'08 from the buzzer. With six seconds left, Portland tied the score at 116-116 thanks to a layup by Jarami Grant, who then fouled Victor Wembanyama, who made both free throws.
Coulibaly shines in the storm
Bilal Coulibaly, for his part, equaled his record for points (which dated from the end of October) by scoring 27 during Washington's defeat at Cleveland in the match of the extremes of the Eastern Conference. The Cavs of Donovan Mitchell (20pts, 6rbds, 6pds) and Jarrett Allen (21pts, 11rbds) won 115-105 without trembling too much, even if the Wizards had briefly taken control at the start of the third quarter. Alex Sarr, who had missed the last two games due to a back injury, made a successful return, with 14 points and 7 rebounds in 27 minutes. But that's not enough for the Wizards, who will host champion Boston on Sunday. For a 19th defeat in 20 matches?
Memphis new runner-up to OKC
In the West, Memphis took advantage of the fact that Houston was in Las Vegas for its NBA Cup semi-final against Oklahoma (this Saturday) to steal second place from the Rockets, thanks to its large 135-119 victory over Brooklyn, thanks notably Ja Morant's 28 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds. Denver occupies sixth place after its 120-98 success over the Clippers, despite an average Nikola Jokic, for once (16pts, 7rbds, 2ft). The other Los Angeles team, the Lakers, also lost, on the floor of Minnesota: 97-87. The Wolves of Anthony Edwards (23pts, 6rbds) led from start to finish against the Californians, who were deprived of LeBron James, hit in the foot. Anthony Davis' 23 points and 11 rebounds were not enough for the Lakers, who now have the same record as the Spurs (13v-12d).
NBA / REGULAR SEASON
Friday December 13, 2024
Cleveland Cavaliers – Washington Wizards : 115-105
Stats for Bilal Coulibaly (WAS): 40 minutes of play, 27 points (10/18 on shots including 5/8 at 3pts, 2/2 on free throws), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 3 lost balls, 1 fault
Stats for Alex Sarr (SAS): 27 minutes of play, 14 points (6/10 on shots including 2/4 at 3pts, 0 free throws taken), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 interception, 1 block, 1 ball lost, 4 faults
Philadelphia 76ers – Indiana Pacers : 107-121
Stats of Guerschon Yabusele (PHI): 14 minutes of play, 4 points (0/3 on shots including 0/3 at 3pts, 4/4 on free throws), 1 rebound, 2 lost balls
Chicago Bulls – Charlotte Hornets : 109-95
Stats for Moussa Diabaté (CHA): 8 minutes of play, 5 points (2/2 on shots including 0 3-point shots, 1/2 on free throws), 3 rebounds, 1 interception, 1 block, 1 lost ball, 3 mistakes
Stats for Tidjane Salaun (CHA): 23 minutes of play, 8 points (3/7 on shots including 1/3 on 3pts, 1/1 on free throws), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 lost ball, 1 foul
Minnesota Timberwolves – Los Angeles Lakers : 97-87
Stats for Rudy Gobert (MIN): 38 minutes of play, 12 points (5/8 on shots including 0 3-pointers, 2/4 on free throws), 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 interception, 1 block, 5 balls lost, 1 fault
Armel Traoré (LAL) did not play, by decision of the coach
Denver Nuggets – Los Angeles Clippers : 120-98
Stats for Nicolas Batum (LAC): 22 minutes of play, 6 points (2/3 on shots including 2/3 at 3pts, 0 free throws attempted), 1 rebound, 3 interceptions, 1 lost ball, 4 fouls
Portland Trail Blazers – San Antonio Spurs : 116-118
Rayan Rupert (POR) did not play, by decision of the coach
Stats for Victor Wembanyama (SAS): 34 minutes of play, 28 points (8/19 on shots including 2/6 at 3pts, 10/10 on free throws), 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 interception, 2 blocks, 3 lost balls, 3 fouls
Sidy Cissoko (SAS) did not play, by decision of the coach
Memphis Grizzlies – Brooklyn Nets : 135-119
Utah Jazz – Phoenix Suns : 126-134
