The Golden State Warriors cashed decimated a bankruptcy against the Sacramento Kings. The Detroit pistons win the Boston Celtics hit thanks to Andre Drummond. The Dallas Mavericks hold out against the San Antonio Spurs for a long time, but have no remedy against the Bigs in the final phase.
Somebody had a problem with his former team. Victor Oladipo could not be stopped by the Magic and scuttled his first eleven (!) throws at once. In the fourth quarter Dipo showed that he is human and missed three more attempts, but 26 points at 14 throws were a la bonheur. A positive plus minus of 29 also underlined the great presentation of the shooting guide.
Indiana controlled the action for a long time, among other things through strong shooting of downtown (15/26 threesomes, 57.7 percent), and gained a 17-point lead in the second quarter. But the guests felt their way back up through their Starting Five. All starters, led by Jonathon Simmons (21), scored at least 12 points. Nikola Vucevic (16 points, 12 rebounds) even got a double-double.
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Before the last twelve minutes everything was open again (85:84) and also five minutes before the end the Magic were fully in play. But then the hosts divided with a 13-0 run and defeated Orlando for the ninth time in a row. Pacers coach Nate McMillan relied on a short rotation with only eight players. Among others, Al Jefferson and Rookie T. J. cashed. Leaf the dreaded DNP.
Of the eight players, all had at least 24 minutes to play. Beside Oladipo, Bojan Bogdanovic (22) convinced with a good shooting and Lance Stephenson also confirmed his rising form with 18 points (7/11 FG), 8 rebounds and 5 assists.
According to Bilanz, the top game in the East took place not in Philly, but in Boston. After the disillusioning defeat against Cleveland, the Pistons wanted to show that they were able to keep up with the best teams in the league – and they did so in an impressive manner, with Andre Drummond outperforming Andre Drummond, who had already played a double double (11 points, 10 rebounds) after the first quarter.
Thus, the pistons were able to achieve a double-digit lead at an early stage. Not uncommon for Celtics, who have often bent such residues this season. Not against Detroit. Though the strong Boston-based bank brought Boston back into the match, the starters looked up to Drummond and Co. little sunshine. Marcus Smart (23 points, 6/9 threesomes) was the top scorer of the Stevens squad.
Smart was also on the field in the crunchtime, but it didn’t matter any more. With a score of 100:100, about five minutes before the end, Drummond took over again and scored eight points in a row. The preliminary decision. The center finished the game with 26 points, 22 rebounds (both Season High), 6 assists and 4 steals. He scuttled a good six free throws (8 attempts). Charles Barkley last had such a statline in 1990. Pistons top scorer was Tobias Harris with 31 points (11/116 FG, 5/6 threesomes).
Avery Bradley was honored by the Celtics with a tribute video and received standing ovations from the fans. The Shooting Guard defended almost the entire game against Kyrie Irving, who had big problems with it. Uncle Drew scored only 18 points (6/16 FG), 9 assists and 6 turnovers. Daniel Theis, who excelled as a good pick’ n’ roll option and scored a strong 12 points (4/4 FG, 4/5 FT) in 10 minutes.
After the last thrilling performances of the Knicks, there were also some boots on Broadway. After 36 minutes the Knicks had made a deep hole and were already hopelessly 64:90 behind. After all, New York was picking up again and trimmed the gap to twelve points. After a brawl between Michael Beasley and Jusuf Nurkic, however, it was Technicals who beat Beasley and Frank Ntilikina and that gave the Blazers the necessary air.
The outstanding Damian Lillard (32 points, 10/20 FG, 11/11 FT) did not give himself any nakedness at the line and helped his colours to victory. Portland also managed a weaker C. J. game. McCollum (12 points, 4/15 FG). In addition to Dame, the Blazers’ defence was once again convincing, keeping the Knicks out of the field at just under 40 percent.
The hosts once again had Kristaps Porzingis on board, who had to retire due to back problems. But the Latvian didn’t seem that fresh. Only six of his 16 throws fell for 22 points. Co-Star Tim Hardaway also needed a total of 18 attempts for 16 points.
In the Blazers Pat Connaughton surprised, again starter on the three, with 17 points (7/9 FG), while Noah Vonleh played 12 rebounds. With 12 points and 9 rebounds, Jusuf Nurkic narrowly missed a double-double.
Page 1: Drummond dominates Boston – Oladipo on fire
Page 2: Harden still hot – Mavs are defeated in the Texas hit
Page 3: Kings shock the Dubs – Sweet Lou too much for the Lakers