The NBA playoffs are fast approaching and every game counts right now. While Milwaukee became the first team to qualify for the finals on Tuesday, Boston (2nd) and Philadelphia (3rd) are on track to join the Bucks after their victory on Thursday. The Celtics went on to win 102-104 in Minnesota. If the C’s dominated the vast majority of the match, notably with a fourteen-point lead in the third quarter, they were scared at the end against Anthony Edwards’ Wolves (28pts, 10rbds, 7pds). Jaylen Brown contributed greatly to this precious success, with 35 points and 10 rebounds.
The 76ers, for their part, struck a blow by going to win 109-118 in Cleveland. Led by thirteen points in the third quarter, Doc Rivers’ men managed a great last quarter (26-34), in the wake of a huge Joel Embiid, author of 36 points, 18 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 blocks. Miami, seventh, can still believe in a direct qualification in the play-offs, after its big victory over Memphis 119-138. The Heat took control at the start of the second quarter and never let go, widening the gap to a 28-point lead at the start of the last quarter. Bam Adebayo finishes with 26 points, Tyler Herro with 24 and Jimmy Butler with 23.
Fox hero of the Kings, the Lakers fall from above
In the West, Sacramento takes advantage of this defeat of the Grizzlies to take second place, thanks to its 114-117 success in Chicago. Even though the Bulls dominated the start of the game, the Kings came back well and managed the money-time better, De’Aaron Fox (32pts) giving the victory to his team with a successful 3-point shot seven tenths from the end. . Also note the triple-double of Domantas Sabonis (14pts, 17rbds, 10pds). Good operation also for the Clippers (5th) who beat Golden State, ranked just behind, with a score of 134-126 by dominating the last quarter of an hour.
Stephen Curry however scored 50 points for the Warriors (20/28 on shots including 8/14 at 3pts), but it took even more to beat the Clippers of Kawhi Leonard (30pts, 8rbds), Paul George (24pts, 7pds) and Russell Westbrook (15pts, 9rbds, 7pds). Dallas, eighth, needed overtime to win 128-137 at San Antonio, already eliminated from the play-off race. In the absence of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, it was Christian Wood who finished top scorer for the Mavs, with 28 points and 13 rebounds. Finally, the bad operation of the day is for the Lakers (10th), who lost to a team already eliminated, Houston: 114-110. Deprived of LeBron James, injured, and Anthony Davis, at rest, the Californians suffered in the racket and were led from the second to the last minute (27pts for Kevin Porter Jr on the Rockets side, 24pts for Austin Reaves on the Lakers side).
NBA / REGULAR SEASON
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Minnesota Timberwolves- Boston Celtics : 102-104
Rudy Gobert (MIN) stats: 29 minutes of play, 15 points (6/8 on shots including 0 3pt shots), 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 interception, 1 lost ball, 3 fouls
San Antonio Spurs- Dallas Mavericks : 128-137 AD
Frank Ntilikina (DAL) did not play, by decision of the coach
Los Angeles Clippers – Golden State Warriors: 134-126
Stats of Nicolas Batum (LAC): 20 minutes of play, 6 points (2/5 on shots including 2/4 at 3pts), 2 assists, 2 interceptions, 4 fouls
Miami Heat –Memphis Grizzlies: 138-119
Cleveland Cavaliers- philadelphia 76ers : 109-118
Chicago Bulls- Sacramento Kings : 114-117
Houston Rockets – Los Angeles Lakers: 114-110
