The game: Denver stops the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers had won their last five meetings. But the Denver Nuggets, leader of the Western Conference, were too strong for the Californians on Monday (122-109). However, the latter were deprived of LeBron James, spared due to a sore ankle (and again Anthony Davis, who injured his foot). Denver built its victory around Jamal Murray, author of 34 points, and Nikola Jokic, who signed a new triple double (14 points, 11 rebounds, 16 assists). Russell Westbrook was the Lakers’ leading scorer with 25 points.
Player: Zach LaVine (Chicago) rocks Boston
The Boston Celtics, leader of the Eastern Conference, won against the Chicago Bulls (107-99). Yet the latter, only ninth in the same conference, managed to worry his opponent. Led by 16 points (79-63, 32nd), the Bulls managed to collect two units (99-97), almost two minutes from the siren. A comeback mainly due to Zach LaVine, Chicago rearguard, who scored 15 of his 27 points in the last quarter. But Boston was able to go ahead and win. Jayson Tatum scored 32 points for the Celtics.
The series: and seven for Memphis
The Memphis Grizzlies, second in the Western Conference, conquer the seventh consecutive victory, beating the San Antonio Spurs (121-113). It is the best racing series in the NBA. After holding the opponent to more than ten points for a long time, the Grizzlies briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter (103-98, 39th). But Memphis then regained the lead and raced to victory. The Tennessee franchise was playing without its star Ja Morant, who was shot in the thigh. Tyus Jones held the Grizzlies with 24 points.
The team: New Orleans fixes Washington
After two losses to Brooklyn and Dallas, the third-ranked New Orleans Pelicans in the West rallied, correcting the Washington Wizards (132-112). The Louisiana franchise got away in the second quarter, after inflicting a bad 33-19 on their rival. Washington managed to come back three lengths (70-67, 27th), but New Orleans immediately moved forward and didn’t worry anymore. Zion Williamson was out for the Pelicans with a thigh injury. CJ McCollum (34 points) and Jonas Valanciunas (27 points) won New Orleans.