Miami, winner in Boston (106-98) in the clash of the day in the East, is the first team in this conference to ensure its presence in the play-off. Clint Capela’s Hawks are getting closer to the play-in.
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Dewayne Dedmon sends a message to Jaylen Brown here.
Miami, winner Wednesday in Boston (106-98) in the shock of the day in the East, is the first team of this conference to ensure its presence in the play-off, in which will also participate Dallas, third qualified formation in the West, where leader Phoenix frustrated Golden State.
A week ago, the heat was rising in the Heat, culminating in a mid-game clash between coach Erik Spoelstra and star Jimmy Butler. The crisis lasted the time of four consecutive defeats and Boston, then on a series of 24 victories in 28 matches, took the opportunity to ascend the throne.
But now the curves are reversed once more, following this second success in a row for the Heat, which inflicts its second setback in a row on the C’s.
Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler led the @MiamiHEAT to the win in a back and forth matchup between two of the best teams in the East! #HEATCulture@Klow7: 23 PTS, 8 AST, 6 3PM@JimmyButler: 24 PTS pic.twitter.com/OgkJkYhvEI
— NBA (@NBA) March 31, 2022
Butler returned to his leadership costume (24 points). In his wake and that of Kyle Lowry (23 points, 8 assists), the Floridians finished the match better (27-15), their defense proving formidable, like the two decisive actions of Max Strus (14 points ), author of a cons on Jaylen Brown (28 points, 10 rebounds), before causing an offensive fault by Jayson Tatum (23 points).
So here is Miami consolidating its leading position, ahead of Milwaukee (2nd) and Philadelphia (3rd), Boston slipping to 4th place, two places ahead of Toronto (6th), on the strength of a fourth victory in a row (125-102), at the expense of Minnesota (7th in the West).
The Easy Hawks
In the fight for the play-offs, New York (11th) may have lost all hope, following their defeat (125-114) at home once morest Charlotte (9th), despite 30 points from Evan Fournier (6/8 behind the ‘bow).
Especially since Atlanta (10th) did not fail to win (136-118) in Oklahoma City, thanks to 41 points from Trae Young. Aligned 20 minutes, Clint Capela scored 4 points (only two shots attempted) and grabbed 11 rebounds.
Trae Young lobs to Clint Capela for the HAMMER ????pic.twitter.com/qKNb5PJmpR
— Hawks Nation (@HawksNationCP) March 31, 2022
In the standings, the Hawks (39 wins and 37 losses) occupy the last qualifying place for the pre-playoff with now five wins ahead of the New York Knicks.
Chris Paul decisive
In the West, the Suns, indisputable leaders, played a nasty trick on the Warriors with a success (107-103) secured by Chris Paul, out of his box in this money-time he loves so much (8 of his 15 points, 8 assists).
Phoenix, which already equals its record of victories (62) in the regular season, was also able to count on Devin Booker (22 points), despite an address at half mast (5/22).
“Winners work” …the @suns put in extra work following their 4-point road W. ???????? pic.twitter.com/Tp1qeIkApk
— NBA (@NBA) March 31, 2022
On the Warriors side, still deprived of Stephen Curry (ankle), Jordan Poole broke his points record (38 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists). But Draymond Green, in the oven and at the mill (8 assists, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks) made him walk too much with 30 seconds remaining.
Here they are 4th, doubled by Dallas who won (120-112) in Cleveland (7th in the East).
Luka Doncic was, as usual, dominant (35 points, 14/26, 13 assists, 9 rebounds), allowing himself a laser pass in the back and a grandfather feint on Moses Brown, who is still looking for the ball.
Luka had the magic on display in the @dallasmavs win, dropping 23 points in the second-half to erase their halftime deficit! #MFFL@ luka7doncic: 35 PTS, 9 REB, 13 AST, 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/Wzns2JGk3z
— NBA (@NBA) March 31, 2022
Happy Lakers
Already qualified, Memphis has for its part ensured its status as seeded No. 2, by winning on the wire (112-111) in San Antonio, its 6th victory in a row.
Still deprived of Ja Morant (knee), the Grizzlies were able to count on Tyus Jones (25 points) and were able to resist the final comeback of the Spurs. Keldon Johnson (23 points) having missed the winning basket, following his ball rolled over the hoop before emerging 2.7 seconds from the buzzer.
And here are the Texans who return to happy Lakers the 10th place, the last synonymous with dams. But LA will have to win at Utah on Thursday to keep it, knowing that New Orleans has consolidated its 9th position, going to win at Portland (117-107).
Finally, note the great performance of Nikola Jokic (37 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists) to help Denver (6th) beat Indiana (125-118).