The Milwaukee Bucks of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard lost after overtime in Chicago (120-113), and the Spurs of Victor Wembanyama suffered a 13th defeat in a row against Atlanta (137-135) on Thursday in the NBA.
With their two stars Giannis Antetokounmpo (26 points, 14 rebounds) and Damian Lillard (18 points, 13 assists) a little less successful than usual, the Milwaukee Bucks were surprised by the Chicago Bulls of Nikola Vucevic (29 points, 10 rebounds) after overtime (120-113), and remain 3rd in the Eastern Conference.
They believed in it, but after leading for a long time, the San Antonio Spurs of French rookie Victor Wembanyama lost again, for the 13th consecutive time, against Atlanta (137-135). San Antonio let a 12-point lead melt away in the 3rd quarter, notably due to numerous turnovers (21 against 10 for the Hawks), which Trae Young enjoyed (45 points, 14 assists). Very prominent at the start of the match, Victor Wembanyama compiled 21 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 blocks, but remains with his team stuck in last place in the west (3 wins – 15 losses). The Frenchman will “probably not play” Friday in New Orleans, said his coach Gregg Popovich.
“It’s okay, I feel good,” replied the Frenchman, who deplored the 137 points scored by Atlanta, “it becomes difficult to win in these cases.” “They are very good in attack. We absolutely have to remain 100% focused throughout the match.”
In a hyper offensive match, as Indiana often offers, the Pacers suffered the law of the Miami Heat, NBA finalist in the spring (142-132). Indiana point guard Tyrese Haliburton had the highlight of the evening with 44 points, his record, and 10 assists, but lost to Jimmy Butler’s 36 points and 10 rebounds. Miami turned the game around with 45 points scored in the last quarter, something the Floridians had not achieved since 1989. “It’s really not our style of play, but a victory is a victory” , greeted Butler.
Yet deprived of their pack leader Anthony Edwards, the Minnesota Timberwolves consolidated their position as leader of the Western Conference (14 wins – 4 losses) by winning over the Utah Jazz (101-90), with 32 points and 11 rebounds. by Karl-Anthony Towns.
