The match: Wembanyama dominant, San Antonio dismisses Atlanta
A boss attitude, a boss match and a boss victory for Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. San Antonio gained the upper hand over Atlanta after a long-contested match which was finally decided in overtime (133-126). The young superstar showed his teammates the way forward by posting 42 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks. A performance more than necessary to win against the combative Hawks.
Perhaps the Texans players could have avoided spending five additional minutes on the floor if Wembanyama had not missed one of his two shots at the very end of the game. Because the two points lead was not enough. Indeed, De’Andre Hunter (27 points) was not afraid and he went for the ball before going up to the circle to savagely dunk on the French giant in order to snatch the OT.
Victor Wembanyama took his revenge in extra time by scoring 8 of his team’s 13 points – with two of his seven winning baskets in the mix – to definitively ensure his team’s victory.
The Player: LaVine leads Chicago to upset win over Boston
The Bulls are capable of the best and the worst this season. They are irregular as possible and display a negative record but that did not prevent them from offering themselves the Celtics, moreover on the floor of the reigning champions, Thursday evening (108-117). With a great Zach LaVine for Chicago. The All-Star guard delivered his best performance of the season by scoring 36 points while actively contributing to his team’s comeback in the fourth quarter.
The Celtics led the score before conceding a 22-35 in the last 12 minutes and giving in to nervousness: Joe Mazzulla, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum all three received a technical foul. LaVine took the opportunity to finish off his opponents.
At state: 0
Like the number of baskets scored by Stephen Curry last night! Zero ! The poor performance of the double MVP illustrates the nightmare evening of the Warriors, traveling to Memphis. Golden State took a suitcase with a 51-point defeat (144-93) and Curry therefore only scored 2 points on a free throw. His first association with newcomer Dennis Schröder clearly did not work. The German was also clumsy, finishing with 5 points on 2 of 12 shots.
The performance: Towns shines for his return to Minnesota
Back in his old gym to face his old team in front of his old audience, Karl-Anthony Towns inevitably experienced a special moment on Thursday. But although very moved, the new interior of the Knicks was able to transform this energy into anger to crush the Timberwolves (107-133). He carried New York with a massive double-double: 32 points and 20 rebounds. But also 6 assists and an insolent skill since he converted 10 of his 12 attempts with even an excellent 5 of 5 three-pointers. A comeback in style.
The basket: Simons finishes off the Nuggets at the buzzer
Portland squandered its 13-point lead in the final 12 minutes but the Blazers still won against Nikola Jokic’s Nuggets. Anfernee Simons went for the victory by attacking the circle to finish with a layup on the final action of the game.
The French: Sarr valuable for the Wizards
Washington won only its fourth game of the season, beating Charlotte (123-114). Alexandre Sarr strongly contributed to this victory by compiling 19 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks. A benchmark match for the rookie. His compatriot Bilal Coulibaly also stood out with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Their opponents Tidjane Salaün (3 points, 4 rebounds) and Moussa Diabaté (4 points, 7 rebounds) were a little more discreet.
Nicolas Batum participated in the Clippers’ victory against the Mavericks by accumulating 3 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. 3 points and 4 rebounds for Rudy Gobert, dropped like the majority of his teammates during the Timberwolves’ defeat against the Knicks.
All scores
Pistons – Jazz : 119-126
Magic – Thunder : 99-105
Wizards – Hornets : 123-114
Celtics – Bulls : 108-117
Raptors – Nets : 94-101
Rockets – Pelicans : 133-113
Grizzlies – Warriors : 144-93
Spurs – Hawks : 133-126
Mavericks – Clippers : 95-118
Suns – Pacers : 111-120
Timberwolves – Knicks : 107-133
Kings – Lakers : 100-113
Trail Blazers – Nuggets : 126-124