The gunslingers were out in Dallas: Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, 82 points between them, planting 13 of the Mavericks’ 25 award-winning banderillas, allowed them to defeat the Sixers (133-126) not without being scared, Thursday 2 March in the NBA.
The Slovenian prodigy put 42 pawns (13/22 on shots) and delivered 12 assists. Equally untenable and skilful, “Uncle Drew” added 40 (at 15/22) and had 3 interceptions.
It was therefore necessary for the two stars to pull out all the stops to offer themselves a second victory in six matches together, since the arrival of the second from Brooklyn in February. And above all, to avoid experiencing further disappointment after the defeat conceded against the Lakers, having squandered a 27-point lead at home last Sunday.
Because once again, Dallas was able to distance itself, counting no less than 25 units in the third quarter, before relaxing too soon. Because at the start of the next one, all it took was a flash from Tyrese Maxey, author of 10 of his 29 points, in 2 min 16 sec, for Philly to pick up the score (110-106).
Coach Jason Kidd then saw the specter of a comeback reappear and put his shock duo back on the floor to keep the 76ers at bay and finish the job. “We had to stay aggressive, keep the pace and above all we had to finish strong this time,” summarized Irving.
On the Sixers side, who remain 3rd in the East, Joel Embiid (35 pts, 8 rebounds) and James Harden (27 pts, 13 assists) have not been unworthy.
Poole drowns the Clippers
The Mavs, who remained on two losses, temporarily go back to 6th place in the West, behind Golden State, which knocked out the Clippers (115-91) in the second half, after being led by 11 units at the break.
This fourth authoritative success for the Warriors, deprived for 10 meetings of Stephen Curry (knee) who could return to the floor on Sunday with the Lakers, was largely the work of Jordan Poole. The fullback was untenable in the third quarter, won 42-16 by the outgoing champions, managing 22 of his 34 points there.
And Golden State, also carried by Klay Thompson (19 pts, 11 rebounds) and Draymond Green (11 pts, 9 rebounds, 9 assists), then take advantage of the lack of reaction from the Clippers, apathetic, crestfallen and ugly long-range pickers (9/43).
Only Kawhi Leonard (21 pts, at 8/12) held his rank, before going to save himself, Paul George missing out on his match (11 pts, at 3/15) and Nicolas Batum remaining anonymous (5 pts, 1 rebound, 1 counter).
In the East, Washington recorded a second success in a row (119-108) at the expense of Toronto, thanks in particular to Kyle Kuzma (30 pts) and Kristaps Porzingis (25 pts). In the fight for a play-off place for the play-offs, the Wizards (10th) took the opportunity to get closer to the Raptors (9th).
Finally, San Antonio also offered a second straight victory against Indiana (110-99). The Spurs, penultimate in the West, relied on Jeremy Sochan (22 pts, 12 rebounds), to contain the Pacers (12th in the East).
Rankings
Ranking: %V J G P
1. Milwaukee 72.6 62 45 17
2. Boston 71,4 63 45 18
3. Philadelphia 64.5 62 40 22
4. Cleveland 60,0 65 39 26
5. New York 57,8 64 37 27
6. Brooklyn 54,8 62 34 28
7. Miami 52,4 63 33 30
8. Atlanta 50,0 62 31 31
9.Toronto 48,4 64 31 33
10. Washington 48,4 62 30 32
11. Chicago 46,0 63 29 34
12. Indiana 43,8 64 28 36
13. Orlando 41,3 63 26 37
14. Charlotte 31,3 64 20 44
15. Detroit 23.8 63 15 48
Western Conference:
Ranking: %V J G P
1. Denver 69,8 63 44 19
2. Memphis 62,3 61 38 23
3. Sacramento 59,0 61 36 25
4. Phoenix 54,0 63 34 29
5. Golden State 52,4 63 33 30
6. Dallas 51.6 64 33 31
7. LA Clippers 50.8 65 33 32
8. Minnesota 50,0 64 32 32
9. Utah 49,2 63 31 32
10. The New
-Orleans 49,2 63 31 32
11. LA Lakers 47,6 63 30 33
12. Portland 46,8 62 29 33
13. Oklahoma
City 45,2 62 28 34
14. San Antonio 25.4 63 16 47
15. Houston 21,0 62 13 49