This night in the NBA, the stars lit up the courts during thrilling confrontations. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jayson Tatum were the main architects of their respective teams’ victories. Dive into the heart of these intense duels…
This night in the NBA, the stars responded during high-intensity confrontations. The performances of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Jayson Tatum with the Boston Celtics particularly stood out. A look back at an evening rich in suspense and individual exploits.
The Thunder continues its momentum, carried by a sparkling Gilgeous-Alexander
Despite falling behind by 16 points during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Oklahoma City Thunder were able to turn things around to finally win 116 to 98. This 13th consecutive victory, a record for the franchise , allows OKC to consolidate its leadership position in the West.
The main architect of this new success is none other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder star was once again dazzling with 29 points, 8 assists and 3 rebounds in just 30 minutes. His activity on both sides of the field turned the game around, despite the good performance of Amir Coffey (26 points) on the Clippers side.
Shai is in extraordinary shape. He takes the team to the top night after night. He is a true leader and a complete player who makes the difference in key moments.
A member of the Thunder management
The Celtics are there despite the absence of Brown
At the same time, the Celtics de Boston managed to win over the Minnesota Timberwolves (118-115) after a close match. Deprived of Jaylen Brown, the C’s were able to count on a large Jayson Tatum to make the difference in money-time.
The Boston winger finished the game with 33 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds. Well supported by Derrick White (26 points), he was able to find the resources to allow his team to leave Minnesota with a precious victory. Julius Randle (27 points) and the Wolves may have regrets.
We knew it was going to be hard without Jaylen. But we were able to close ranks and raise our level of play in the 4th quarter. It is a collective victory of which we can be proud.
Jayson Tatum au micro d’ESPN
French people in retreat
If the evening smiled on the stars of OKC and Boston, it was more complicated for the French players involved. Nicolas Batum remained very discreet with the Clippers (0 points in 16 minutes) while Rudy Gobert experienced difficulties facing the physical impact of the Celtics racket (6 points and 7 rebounds).
On the Thunder side, the rookie Ousmane Dieng was entitled to a few minutes of play, using this time to score a basket. The Frenchman continues to learn alongside experienced teammates and should gradually gain responsibility.
The race for the playoffs is on
As the second part of the season approaches, every victory counts in the race for the playoffs. Boston and Oklahoma City left their mark and sent a message to the competition by imposing itself externally despite delicate contexts.
If the Celtics seem equipped to play the leading roles in the East behind the untouchable Bucks, the Thunder assert themselves as the team in good shape of the moment in the West. Supported by a united collective and brilliant individuals, they have serious arguments to aim high this season.
The next few weeks promise to be exciting in the NBA. Between revelations, returns from injury and transfers still possible, the cards can still be redistributed. One thing is certain, the suspense will be there until the end!
