Deprived of a new duel against LeBron James, still injured, Giannis Antetokounmpo still provided the show Wednesday against the Lakers. Phenomenal, the MVP of the 2021 final scored 47 points to overcome the Californians (109-102). All with devilish efficiency: 18 successful shots out of 23.
Disappointing at the start of the season, the Bucks have finally recovered the lieutenant of the “Greek Freak”, Khris Middleton, absent for two weeks to follow the anti-Covid protocol of the NBA. A little rusty at the start of the game, the Olympic champion from Tokyo was decisive at the start of the last quarter with two award-winning shots to give air to Milwaukee (92-87, 34th).
But it was the boss of the Bucks who folded the case. Author of two three-point actions, Giannis Antetokounmpo made the Fiserv Forum roar in the money-time. Catchy, the Lakers of Anthony Davis (18 points) leave Wisconsin with a new defeat, the third in four games.
Eighth in the West, they impatiently await the return of James, perhaps as early as Friday, in Boston. For its part, Milwaukee is still in the negative (7 wins – 8 losses) but will benefit from a favorable schedule (against Oklahoma City, Orlando twice then Detroit).
Ten in a row for Phoenix
At the end of a rich evening (11 matches), Phoenix won its tenth consecutive victory by beating Dallas (105-98). Unheard of since 2010, when Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire reigned supreme in Arizona. Eleven years later, their successors are candidates for the NBA title, after their final lost in July.
But on Wednesday, even Luka Doncic’s absence didn’t make it easy for them against the Mavericks. ” Porzingis vs. Booker », Announced the broadcaster ESPN before the meeting. And the Latvian was up to it by delivering a full game (21 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists) to keep his team ahead, three minutes from time (94-93, 39th).
Fearsome in these late matches where oxygen is scarce, Chris Paul (7 points, 14 assists) donned his maestro costume to help the Suns. “CP3” distilled a caviar under the circle to DeAndre Ayton before finding Devin Booker alone at three points to seal the success of his family. The Suns consolidate their second place in the Western Conference.
Dallas is now fourth (9 wins – 5 losses). But Frank Ntilikina took advantage of the trip to Arizona to achieve his best offensive performance of the season (13 points), being the Mavs’ most productive replacement.