Deprived of a new duel once morest LeBron James, still injured, Giannis Antetokounmpo still ensured the show on Wednesday once morest the Lakers. Phenomenal, the MVP of the 2021 final scored 47 points to overcome the Californians (109-102). All with diabolical efficiency: 18 successful shots out of 23.
Disappointing at the start of the season, the Bucks have finally recovered the lieutenant of the “Greek Freak”, Khris Middleton, who has been absent for two weeks to follow the NBA’s anti-Covid protocol. A little rusty at the start of the game, the Tokyo Olympic champion was decisive at the start of the last quarter with two award-winning shots to give Milwaukee some air (92-87, 34th).
But it was the boss of the Bucks who folded the case. Author of two three-point actions, Giannis Antetokounmpo made the Fiserv Forum roar in the money-time. Catchy, the Lakers of Anthony Davis (18 points) leave Wisconsin with a new defeat, the third in four games.
Eighth in the West, they are impatiently awaiting the return of James, perhaps as early as Friday, in Boston. For its part, Milwaukee is still in the negative (7 wins – 8 losses) but will benefit from a favorable schedule ( once morest Oklahoma City, Orlando twice then Detroit).
Ten in a row for Phoenix
At the end of a rich evening (11 games), Phoenix won its tenth consecutive victory by beating Dallas (105-98). Unheard of since 2010, when Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire reigned as bosses in Arizona. Eleven years later, their successors are candidates for the NBA title, following their lost final in July.
But on Wednesday, even the absence of Luka Doncic didn’t make it any easier for them once morest the Mavericks. ” Porzingis vs. Booker “, announced the broadcaster ESPN before the meeting. And the Latvian rose to the occasion by delivering a full game (21 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists) to keep his team in front, three minutes from time (94-93, 39th).
Fearsome at the end of matches where oxygen is scarce, Chris Paul (7 points, 14 assists) has put on his maestro costume to help the Suns. “CP3” distilled a caviar under the circle to DeAndre Ayton before finding Devin Booker alone at three points to seal the success of his people. The Suns consolidate their second place in the Western Conference.
Dallas is now fourth (9 wins – 5 losses). But Frank Ntilikina took advantage of the trip to Arizona to achieve his best offensive performance of the season (13 points), being the Mavs’ most productive substitute.
