Last evening of Wednesday January 15 was marked by contrasting performances for French players in the NBA. Nicolas Batum and the Clippers splashed the evening with their domination, while other Tricolores experienced more delicate moments.
A record victory for Batum and the Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers signed the largest victory in their history (+59) by crushing the Brooklyn Nets 126-67. Nicolas Batum (2.03 m, 36 years old), although discreet on a statistical level (0 points at 0/3, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 interception in 17 minutes), was able to savor this historic success. Kawhi Leonard (23 points) and James Harden (21 points) carried their team, which led by 64 points at one point, a franchise record.
Yabusele and Gobert beaten, Risacher forfeited
In another register, Guerschon Yabusele (2.01 m, 29 years old) and Rudy Gobert did not experience the same success. Yabusele nevertheless posted a good stat line with 9 points (4/8 shooting), 5 rebounds and 6 assists in 38 minutes, but his team lost after overtime against New York. The Sixers failed to stop Jalen Brunson (38 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter). Rudy Gobert (2.16 m, 32 years old) was solid under the circle (7 points at 2/2, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks in 29 minutes), but that was not enough to avoid a defeat against Golden State Warriors (115-116) from Stephen Curry (31 points and 7 3-point baskets). As for Zaccharie Risacher (2.05 m, 19 years old), he was withdrawn due to adductor irritation.
Shy beginnings for Traoré and Salaün
Armel Traoré (2.05 m, 21 years old), back on the scoresheet, was not used during the Lakers’ victory in Miami. Tidjane Salaün (2.05 m, 19 years old), for his part, missed his match (0 points at 0/2, 1 rebound, 1 assist in 14 minutes) and finished with a differential of -16 in a meeting however won by Charlotte against Utah (112-117).
