A nice shock pitted the Brooklyn Nets, leaders in the Eastern Conference, and the Phoenix Suns, second in the West, on Sunday. And, at home, the New York franchise won (128-119). She was able to rely on Kevin Durant, who made his return to competition, after a week of absence due to an injury to the left thigh.
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33 points for Kevin Durant
Durant was not lacking for his recovery. Substitute, came into play eight minutes from the break, he scored 33 points (12/21 shooting including 2/3 three points), for a total of 28 minutes spent on the floor. Kyrie Irving was also a big contributor to the Nets’ victory, scoring 34 points and delivering 12 assists.
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The first period was dominated by Phoenix, who has a 13-point lead (56-43, 20th). But, at the break, Brooklyn had almost made up for lost time (61-59). When the locker room returned, the match remained balanced, then, in the fourth quarter, the Nets escaped (102-92, 37th; 113-97, 40th), and the Suns were not able to react.
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Two losses in a row for Phoenix
Besides Durant and Irving, Blake Griffin, from the bench, also showed up, with 16 points scored. For his part, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot did not come into play. For Phoenix, Devin Booker scored 36 points.
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Thanks to this success, Brooklyn now has two wins ahead of the Philadelphia Sixers, who will play on Monday against Oklahoma City. The Nets will return to the scene the next day in Toronto. Phoenix, who now remains on two defeats in a row, will try to revive Monday against New York.
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Charlotte left Boston behind
The Charlotte Hornets have inflicted a clear setback on the Boston Celtics (125-104). They had taken a good lead after six minutes of play (23-8) and were never worried by their opponent.
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Four Hornets players scored at least 20 points (Graham, 24, Washington, 22, Rozier, 21 and Bridges, 20), and those same four players all landed at least four three-pointers each, with Graham going. (six). In total, Charlotte had 21 three-pointers out of 43 attempted.
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Five straight losses for Portland
Boston struggled with the trio Walker (20 pts) – Brown (20) – Tatum (19). Evan Fournier played 20 minutes without scoring (0/3 shooting), but taking three rebounds.
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Finally the Memphis Grizzlies won with the Portland Trail Blazers (120-113). They are now on a five-game losing streak. Ja Morant (28 pts) and Jonas Valanciunas (21) were the main architects of the Tennessee franchise victory. Killian Tillie did not come on.
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