Evan Fournier is already making New York vibrate

New York defeats Brown

If the season is like this first, Knicks fans will experience strong emotions, as it took their favorite team two overtime, ten minutes more, and major performances from their star Randle and of their French recruit, Fournier, to overcome the Celtics (138-134). The first struggled as usual (35 pts, 9 assists, 8 rebounds) and the second, for his first at home in his new jersey, which he dreamed of wearing one day, was decisive in the “money -time ”. Author of 32 points (6 rebounds, 4 interceptions), personal best equaled, the Frenchie began to catch fire in the “money-time”, chaining two baskets behind the arc which gave six lengths in advance to the Knicks. But a poor defensive choice on his part, after two successive ball losses from Kemba Walker, the other new offensive weapon from New York further behind (10 pts), allowed the Celtics to equalize at the buzzer by Marcus Smart (15 pts).

And while Boston relied on a big performance from Jaylen Brown (46 pts), Jayson Tatum having been more discreet (20 pts), Fournier continued to put on three-point shots (6/13): three consecutive in the first extension, a decisive in the second to finally bend the C’s. All in a molten MSG where regular “courtside” Spike Lee has not held in place, alongside Dustin Hoffman and Michael J. Fox.

Denver gets back from Phoenix

Swept (4-0) in the semifinals of the Western Conference by the Suns in the last play-offs, the Nuggets managed a nice shot in Arizona by winning (110-98). The Serbian interior Nikola Jokic, reigning MVP, was decisive with his 27 points and 13 rebounds, well supported by Will Barton (20 pts) and Jeff Green (13), the rookie from Brooklyn.

It was thanks to his defense that Denver made the difference, limiting Phoenix to 40 points in the second half (41.6% overall success). Devin Booker was particularly muzzled (12 pts, 3/15 on shots) alongside Chris Paul (15 pts, 10 assists).

Jazz already in the rhythm

Utah, the best team of the last regular season, started the new year on the same good footing, winning easily against Oklahoma City (107-86). As often, it is the collective which spoke within the Jazz, with five players to more than fourteen points, Bojan Bogdanovic being the most prolific (22), followed by Jordan Clarkson (18). But the one who was the most complete was the French pivot Rudy Gobert, with 16 points and the trifle of 21 rebounds (1 against), which testified to his undivided domination under the panels.

Philadelphia has fun without Simmons

The current backstage psychodrama between the 76ers and Ben Simmons, suspended for the first game of the season due to poor behavior in training, did not affect Philadelphia who won (117-97) at New Orleans. It was not only the Australian absent for this meeting, since Zion Williamson (convalescent) was also lacking at the Pelicans and this was seen inside, where Joel Embiid took the opportunity to s ‘impose without forcing (22 pts in three quarters), well supported by Tobias Harris (20 pts, 12 rebounds). “The players have had a normal evening, the only abnormal part is when they have to answer questions from the media (on Simmons). It’s just about playing basketball and growing together, and they’ve done a great job in that regard, ”said coach Doc Rivers.

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