Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs were overthrown by Chicago and Dallas, now deprived of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, suffered a fifth loss on Monday in the NBA.
. Spurs spoil
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
Jaren Jackson Jr. (left) during the Grizzlies’ NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks, January 6, 2025 in Memphis / Justin Ford / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
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 on the « Mavs » 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 game 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.
French pivot Rudy Gobert scored 8 points and grabbed 18 rebounds for the Wolves, Nicolas Batum scored 3 points for the visitors.
Guerschon Yabusele was prominent in the first period with Philadelphia, for a total of 14 points and 10 rebounds during the 76ers’ defeat against Phoenix (109-99).
. 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).
Wendell Carter Jr (left) facing Precious Achiuwa during the Orlando Magic game against the Knicks, January 6, 2025 in New York / ELSA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
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.
