San Antonio is still unable to win a game without Wembanyama, while the big names, Denver and Oklahoma City faced each other on Friday in the NBA, with an additional guest in the equation: fatigue. In the East, Boston and Milwaukee won after thrilling matches.
Deprived of Victor Wembanyama, put to rest by the Spurs management who wish to preserve him from “back to back” – these meetings on consecutive days – San Antonio did not last long against Portland (134-128).
Winners of these same Trailblazers the day before, the Texans sorely lacked the scale of the French giant (2.24m). Without the tricolor in the ranks of San Antonio, it is simply the assurance of a defeat for the Spurs this season.
Keldon Johnson (29 points) and Doug McDermott (18 points) tried to prevent the inevitable. There is one game left in 2023 in San Antonio, against Boston, Victor Wembanyama should be on the floor.
Milwaukee dictated its law to Cleveland in a duel at the top of the Eastern Conference (119-111) on Friday, after a start to the match marked by Jarrett Allen with 16 points in the first 9 minutes. The Cavaliers pivot even had the night the most prolific of his career with 30 units.
Not enough given the experience and talent of Giannis Antetokounmpo (34 points) and Damian Lillard (31 points). Especially since the Ohio franchise was very clumsy from long distance (6 out of 43 at 3 points, or 14%). The Bucks unfolded without trembling and clung to the leader of the Eastern Conference, Boston.
Still in the lead east of the Mississippi, Boston had a small scare against Toronto (120-118), although it was long overtaken during the meeting.
The Celtics were propelled by the success of Jaylen Brown (31 points), quickly receiving 4 of 4 at 3 points. The score got just as crazy, to the point that the greens led by 20 points after not even 15 minutes of play (40-20).
A chill ran through the TD Garden when Toronto came back to go in front 5 minutes from time (105-109) before cracking in the final moments.
No real confrontation in this western clash. The Nuggets, defending champions, seemed exhausted by this second match in two days, after a success against Memphis on Thursday.
The Thunder had a serious game (93-119) to prevent any adverse reaction. Once again, Shai Gilgeous Alexander was exceptional. The Canadian compiled 40 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, and consolidated his position as the 3rd best scorer in the NBA.
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