Russell Westbrook has a weak evening against the Sacramento Kings, but becomes a hero again when he meets the Buzzer Beater to win. For the Philadelphia 76ers, Ben Simmons becomes the winner of the match because he remains ice-cold on the free-throw line. Dwight Howard delivers a vintage performance and the Golden State Warriors defeat insubordinate clippers.
In the end, it was an easy win for Charlotte after the Nets were able to keep the match even until the break. A 13-0 run at the start of the second half, including 7 points from Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (13), set the course for victory for the hosts.
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The theme of the evening, however, was Dwight Howard, who grabbed not only 15 points but also 24 rebounds and set up a Season High. D12 just barely missed his career best score (26). Rookie Jarrett Allen (9,7 Rebounds) had no chance against the veteran, but was defended by his coach:”We all have to help him and do a better job”, Kenny Atkinson was angry.
But the Nets had other problems, especially in the fourth quarter, when they couldn’t get a grip on Kemba Walker. The All-Star scored 14 (5/6 FG) of his 31 points in the last 12 minutes, eliminating the last few doubts. Nic Batum contributed solid 10 counters and 7 assists.
In the Nets, Dante Cunningham (22.12 rebounds) led the list of scorers, with D’ Angelo Russell scoring 19 points. Spencer Dinwiddie (12,5/14 FG) was a bit out of luck, but played 9 dimes.
The Knicks had lost eight games in a row before the All-Star Break, apparently the break was good for the team. Thanks to 26 points (12/22 FG) from Trey Burke, the Knicks abducted the victory from Florida. And this despite the fact that the Magic had 51.8 percent of their litters in the basket. However, coach Jeff Hornacek was satisfied with his team’s defenses,”We finally defended again,”said the trainer.
The key for him was Burk, who, according to Hornacek, shone on both ends of the court. The former college star initially came only from the bank. Emmanuel Mudiay was allowed to start instead of Jarrett Jack (DNP – Coach’s Decision), but was unable to stamp the game with 8 points and 4 assists. That’s what Tim Hardaway Jr. did. with 23 points, 6 assists and a furious Alley Oop Dunk.
Things didn’t get off to a good start for the Knicks. Orlando sank 11 of the first 12 litters, including five threesomes. After 41 points in the first quarter, the Magic cooled down. After their injuries Aaron Gordon (9,3/9 FG) and Nikola Vucevic (19) were back again. Best scorer of Orlando was Evan Fournier with 25 points.
Orlando had a double-digit lead at the start of the second half, but a 12-0 run at the Knicks put the game on hold. Another later run in the final section decided the game. Enes Kanter (12,12 Rebounds) played a double-double, Kyle O’ Quinn (14,8 boards) scratched it at least.
That way you can lose a victory. One minute before the end the Bulls led after a three-way from Zach LaVine (23) with 115:110, but then brought no more points to the scoreboard. First Ben Simmons typed a rebound into the basket, then J. J. changed it. Redick two free throws. At the following throw-in Joel Embiid succeeded against Denzel Valentine the Steal and Simmons was fouled.
However, the free throws are always shaky with the rookie, and he scored only 4 out of 9.5.6 seconds before the end, but the Australian kept his cool and pocketed both attempts, which gave the sixers the lead. Bobby Portis was allowed to try his hand on the other side, but his attempt to be defended by Embiid was clearly too short.
But before that it was the show of the backup center. The Sixers seemed to be able to live with Jumpers from Portis, so Portis hit one jump shot after another and finished the game with 38 points (15/26 FG, Career High). During the game, Portis had announced that he would have scored 40, but he narrowly missed that target. The Big hit six threesomes and was the main reason that Chicago was in this game, throwing 52.9 percent (18/34 threes) from a distance. David Nwaba convinced with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Paul Zipser scored 2 points (1/1 FG) and 2 assists in 7 minutes, but did not play in the second half due to problems with his foot.
In the Sixers, Simmons (32.11 Assists) and Embiid (30.13 Rebounds) were the best scorers, and Dario Saric (13) and Redick (14) scored double-digit points, while Philly von der Bank scored little. The reserveists’ duel was more than clearly lost at 58:19.
Page 1: Howard, the rebound monster – Philly get through Portis Gala
Page 2: Westbrook Buzzer Beater hunts down Kings – Magic Curry
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