Kawhi Leonard and his Toronto Raptors have made short work of the Cleveland Cavaliers and left no doubt about their eighth consecutive victory. The Milwaukee Bucks, on the other hand, are giving up a victory in overtime that they believe to be certain. The Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics, on the other hand, scored important victories.
What an overtime thriller in Madison Square Garden! The Milwaukee Bucks have to let the bounce in the fight for the top in the east – also because the necessary consistency was missing in the final sprint.
Because the host got the better start into the game and quickly played his way to a two-digit lead (17:7). Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished the game with 33 points, 19 rebounds and 7 assists, the Bucks, for their part, followed with a 13-0 run and took a comfortable 13-point lead before half-time.
In the second round the events of the first round were repeated. Once again, the Knicks were better out of the locker room and took the lead in the middle of the third quarter, before Milwaukee even managed a 17-0 run this time. But also from this backlog New York recovered quickly and were able to compensate 24 seconds before the end in person of Mudiay by a threesome to 124:124. Antetokounmpo missed the chance to win the game.
In extra time, young Damyean Dotson became a hero when he scored from downtown to the 135-134 lead a minute before the end. At 136:134 Brook Lopez had the chance to equalize the game on the line, but failed.
Best thrower at the Knicks was Emmanuel Mudiay with 28 points (10/18 FG) and another 7 assists. The bank also provided more than decent support from Kevin Knox (26 points) and Dotson (21 points). In the Bucks, Eric Bledsoe (27, 7 dimes) was the most convincing player besides Antetokounmpo.
The Washington Wizards have won again after two defeats in a row. Against the Brooklyn Nets a solid performance was enough, because the Nets missed many good approaches of the previous weeks, especially offensively.
After three quarters Brooklyn had just 58 points on the scoreboard. At the end of the game, disastrous throwing odds of 37 percent from the field and 24 percent from beyond the perimeter were recorded. Best thrower was Allen Crabbe with 14 points, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson also scored double-digit (11 points, 8 rebounds). A negative example was Shabazz Napier, who hit only 2 of his 13 throws in 25 minutes from the bank.
Washington also lacked some offensive firepower at the beginning, which is why the curious half-time score of 42:39 was achieved. In the third quarter, however, the capitals were able to distance themselves with a 9-0 run and controlled the game from there.
The most conspicuous Wizards player was John Wall, who scored 30 points and 9 assists just past a double double. Bradley Beal contributed 22 points and Markieff Morris proved to be a very efficient scorer from the bench (20 points, 9/12 FG).
James Harden apparently had a good appetite for today’s match and started right at the start like the fire brigade. Already in the first quarter The Beard had 15 points on his account and helped his Rockets to strong 38 points and a 16 point lead in the first section.
They should defend this lead in the style of a real top team over the entire season. At the Bulls Lauri Markkanen celebrated his long-awaited season debut, but still had clear problems with his throw (10 points, 4/14 FG). Even his teammates shouldn’t really find their touch from the outside, which explains the meager 25 percent triple quota.
Once again Zach LaVine came closest to his normal form, playing 39 points in 34 minutes and scoring 11 of his 17 field goals. Jabari Parker contributed a double-double (21 points, 12 rebounds), but also managed 4 turnovers.
In the rockets, Harden finally scored 30 points in as many minutes, distributed 7 dimes and grabbed 6 boards. He was mainly supported by Clint Capela (18 points, 15 rebounds) and Chris Paul (12, 13 assists).
Page 1: Knicks beat bucks in OT – Rockets fulfill mandatory task
Page 2: Leonard gala at Raptors victory – Celtics beat Timberwolves