As the dynamics are reversed, the Knicks have just overtaken the Celtics in the Eastern Conference standings. The first are on three wins in a row, the second three losses in a row.
It was the Clippers who took advantage of a struggling Boston team to revive. Same observation in Phoenix which finds the taste of victory following two defeats in a row. Finally, the Kings beat the Mavs at the buzzer.
Indiana – Charlotte
Chicago – Atlanta
Memphis – LA Lakers
Portland – Utah
Detroit – New York : 85-94
Despite a weak Detroit team, heavily weighed down by the Covid-19, the Knicks took time to make a difference. Admittedly, New York was ahead at the break, but the Pistons went 11-0 to start the third quarter, then 14-2.
Tom Thibodeau’s troops cash in and stay in the game. In the last quarter, they hit with a 14-0, with 10 points from Alec Burks (34 points). The Pistons are kept at 14 units in this last act and lose for the fourth time in a row and the 18th in 19 games…
Boston – LA Clippers : 82-91
Everything becomes more difficult when you are unable to score from a distance, and yet you continue to shoot in all directions. By shooting at 4/42 at 3-pts once morest the Clippers, the Celtics proved it. Led by 10 points in the third quarter, the players of Ime Udoka come back with a 12-2.
But the last quarter is a nightmare behind the arc, with a dreadful 1/18. The Clippers start this moment perfectly with a 9-2. Eric Bledsoe, with 10 points, then made the difference. Third straight loss for Boston.
Phoenix – Oklahoma City : 115-97
Deprived of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (hit in the ankle), the Thunder did not have their main weapon to fight once morest the Suns. Oklahoma City hung on for three quarters, before yielding in the last.
Devin Booker scored 9 of his 38 points, which allow him to exceed 10,000 career units, and Phoenix largely dominated this last act, 30-16. The 2021 finalists are back on track following two straight losses.
Sacramento – Dallas : 95-94
The Mavericks may have regrets. Several times they had control of the game, and even then in the dying seconds. After starting well, the Texans were largely outplayed in the second quarter. Led by 13 points in the third quarter, they come back with a 20-6.
In the last 30 seconds, Jason Kidd’s men lead by two points and make an important stop. Except the next possession, they miss each other and the Kings have one last chance. De’Aaron Fox finds Chimezie Metu at 3-pts, all alone in the corner. It falls in and the Golden 1 Center explodes.
