Kings overthrow Denver in overtime, Raptors beaten in Tampa, Phoenix resist Dallas

The Kings managed an incredible end of overtime to win in Denver, at one of the underdogs of the season (122-124, ap). Also in the West, Phoenix held off against Dallas and Luka Doncic (106-102) and San Antonio against Ja Morant (119-131).

An incredible ending in Denver
A loss after overtime in Denver would have already been an encouraging performance for Sacramento, which few expect in the play-offs. The Kings did better than that. Led by four points one minute from the end of extra time, they won (122-124 ap) thanks to a stunning final: a first basket from Harrison Barnes, then a counter from their leader De’Aaron Fox on Will Barton followed by another basket from Barnes on the counterattack, and finally a tap to the buzzer from Buddy Hield after a ball stolen from Nikola Jokic and a dunk from Barnes blocked by Barton.

Solid success for Phoenix
Beating Dallas (106-102), even at home, even without Kristaps Porzingis, is a performance of choice for Phoenix, a team hoping for a leap forward in the hierarchy this season. Because we must always resist the immense talent of Luka Doncic, author of a match with 32 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists from his first outing of the season. The Suns logically relied on their new duo of fullback Devin Booker and Chris Paul to take the decision in the last minute.

Morant, 44 points in vain in Memphis
Ja Morant took his place at the top of the scoring standings with a peak of 44 points in the first game of his second year in the NBA. But none of his teammates raised their level and the helpless Grizzlies were beaten at home by San Antonio (119-131). The Spurs have regained the proverbial cleanliness of their game (50% including 40% at 3 points, only 11 stray balls) with a tiny five made up of LaMarcus Aldridge at the pivot surrounded by four full-backs, including two young players in full development, Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker, 16 points each.

New Orleans wins in Tampa
The Pelicans made a success of their debut by beating the Raptors (99-113) for their first game in their provisional hall, in Tampa (Florida), while waiting for that of Toronto to reopen. 3800 spectators were able to attend this meeting but “I do not know if they are fans of the Raptors”, conceded the Cameroonian interior Pascal Siakam, author of 20 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists in 39 minutes. Nigerian OG Anunoby was quiet with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists in 36 minutes.

–