A seventh success in seventeen matches for Portland which remains 13th in the Western Conference of which Golden State retains the lead despite its 104-94 defeat in San Antonio.
Winning return
After missing three games following a blow to the right knee, Victor Wembanyama celebrated his return to the court with a prestigious success for San Antonio against Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors (14 points) 104 to 94.
The Spurs were off to a bad start, however, being up to 17 points behind shortly before the end of the 3rd quarter, but managed a superb 4th quarter (won 33 to 13) to achieve a 3rd success in a row, and to change their balance sheet to the positive (9 victories – 8 defeats).
Wembanyama (25 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 blocks) particularly shone during the 4th quarter (12 points), notably proving decisive 3 minutes from the siren with a long shot followed by an authoritarian counter.
With an irregular skill (9 out of 21 shooting, 4 out of 13 from afar), the French giant (2.24 m) had his passing qualities admired, twice launching Harrison Barnes with a lay-up in the final moments of the part after having fixed the defense with its back to the basket.
“He played a man's 4th quarter, his rebounds, his blocks, his passes, simple things,” praised his coach Mitch Johnson, in the absence of Gregg Popovich, still resting after a “slight stroke ” at the beginning of the month.
“It's important for him because he's capable of doing extraordinary things naturally, but when he can succeed and dominate the fundamentals of the game, he becomes complete. His fundamentals, especially at the end of the match, have been level elite tonight. When he does that he's scary.”
Orlando continues
Although deprived of its star Paolo Banchero for 13 games, the Orlando Magic won again against Detroit (111-100), in the wake of its German power forward Franz Wagner (30 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists ), who scores more than 25 points on average since his teammate's injury.
The Floridians have won 8 of their last 9 matches and are in 3rd place in the standings in the East (11 wins – 7 losses).
50 points in vain for LaMelo Ball
Despite LaMelo Ball's 50 points (17 of 38 shooting, 10 assists), the Charlotte Hornets lost against the Milwaukee Bucks who were back at a good level (125-119).
The confusing LaMelo Ball caught fire in the second half (40 points!), but the duo of Milwaukee stars Giannis Antetokounmpo (32 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists) and Damian Lillard (31 points) ensured for the Bucks finally on the right track.
Milwaukee scored a 4th consecutive victory, the 6th in the last 7 matches, and brought its record closer to balance (8 wins – 9 losses).
Frenchman Moussa Diabaté was started for the 2nd time in a row for the Hornets, and continued his work on the rebound (11 taken, with 2 assists and 2 interceptions), without scoring a point. His compatriot Tidjane Salaün scored 6 points in 16 minutes.
Related News :