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Nuggets prime Embiid-less Sixers, 116-111
This recreation coulda had class. It coulda been a contenda. As an alternative of bein’ a bum. Which isn’t completely what this recreation ended up being, however contemplating what it might have represented had Joel Embiid been accessible for it, it’s in the end a disappointment. Lengthy-billed because the epic duel between the 2 MVP frontrunners, Denver’s win was overshadowed by Embiid’s absence because of a sore proper calf — even with Nikola Jokic posting his twenty ninth triple-double of the season. He scored 25 factors, had 17 rebounds, and 12 assists to steer the Nuggets, whereas Jamal Murray (19 factors), Bruce Brown (18), Michael Porter Jr. (15), and Aaron Gordon (12) all completed in double-figures. Provided that James Harden was additionally sitting for the Sixers, Tyrese Maxey was the one actual offensive spark for Philly. He poured in 29 factors, 23 of which got here within the first half.
The Nuggets have now received 4 straight, whereas the Sixers have misplaced three in a row. I’ve a sense that streaks like these, particularly this late within the season, can be on MVP voters’ minds as they get nearer to submitting their picks on the finish of the 12 months.
Timberwolves proceed profitable methods, outlast Kings, 119-115
Now this is the type of streak that may flip a whole season round. After a stretch throughout which Minnesota misplaced 5 of six, Anthony Edwards and co. have now received 4 in a row — together with this one over Sacramento, which was denied the privilege of clinching a playoff spot within the loss. Jaden McDaniels scored 20 factors to steer the T-Wolves, who swept two powerful opponents back-to-back. First got here Golden State, and now, Sacramento. With the win, Minnesota tied the Warriors for sixth place within the Western Convention standings. Keep in mind: the highest six groups keep away from the play-in match. And although the play-in spherical was form to the Timberwolves final season, there are not any ensures in a one-game, do-or-die state of affairs.
The Kings will definitely keep away from the play-in and can nearly definitely have homecourt benefit within the first spherical of the playoffs, every time it’s that they do clinch. Video games like this one from stars De’Aaron Fox (29 factors and 6 assists) and Domantas Sabonis (24 factors and 10 rebounds earlier than fouling out) ought to do the trick.
Pelicans pummel Portland, 124-90
Make that 5 in a row for New Orleans, who stay within the eighth spot within the West with a 34-point drubbing of the Path Blazers. Brandon Ingram led all scorers with 29.
It’s secure to say that these Blazers have seen higher days.
Mavs snap four-game slide with trouncing of Pacers, 127-104
Only a few days faraway from what’s undoubtedly the low level of their season to this point — shedding 4 in a row, together with two straight collapses in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets — it’s secure to say that that is precisely what the physician ordered for Dallas. Luka Doncic, additionally days faraway from saying he doesn’t really feel the identical pleasure on the courtroom recently, placed on a present to prepared the ground for the Mavs. He scored 25 factors, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished six dimes, certainly one of which is within the operating for probably the most insane move you’ll ever see.
Hopefully, not less than for the Mavs and their followers, outings like these will change into a regularity down the stretch. In the event that they don’t, they’ll miss the play-in: Dallas is half a recreation again from the ninth and tenth spots within the West, trailing the Lakers and Thunder, respectively.
Knicks deal with Rockets, 137-115
It was a defense-less affair, however the excellent news for the Knicks is that their offense has reached a degree the place it will probably sometimes be referred to as dominant. Particularly when Immanuel Quickley is doing issues like he did on Monday evening. He dropped a career-high 40 factors to steer all scorers and assist the Knicks snap a three-game shedding streak. In his stead, Julius Randle had 26, whereas RJ Barrett added an environment friendly 19.
Shorthanded Bucks overpower Pistons, 126-117
Each Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and Jrue Vacation (private) had been unavailable for Monday’s recreation in opposition to Detroit, clearing the best way for the sport Bucks followers had been ready for all 12 months: The Khris Middleton Recreation. And that’s precisely what they bought, as Middleton scored a season-high 34 factors to steer all scorers and assist preserve Milwaukee two video games clear atop the Jap Convention standings. Brook Lopez added 24 factors and 14 rebounds; Bobby Portis had 21 factors and 14 rebounds; and Jevon Carter scored 22. All fuel, no brakes for these Bucks, who really feel like they’re on a collision course with their second NBA Finals journey in three seasons.
In the meantime, the Pistons bought a career-high 32 factors, eight rebounds, and eight assists from Jaden Ivey, however misplaced their sixth recreation in a row. They’re additionally losers of 17 out of 18. The highest of the 2023 NBA Draft is that this staff’s solely hope.
Clippers drop Bulls, 124-112
Seven Clippers — SEVEN — completed in double-figures as L.A.’s higher squad received their seventh out of 10 on Monday. Nicolas Batum scored 24 factors, all coming from past the three-point arc, to steer all scorers, whereas Kawhi Leonard (22), Eric Gordon (22), Bones Hyland (13), Russell Westbrook (12), Ivica Zubac (11), and Mason Plumlee (10) all adopted.
Even with the loss, the Bulls cling to the ultimate play-in spot within the East. And given how poorly the Washington Wizards have carried out just lately, Chicago is definitely the betting favourite to hold on to it.
Suns deal with sliding Jazz, 117-103
Although Phoenix stays Kevin Durant-less, Monday’s win over the Jazz was nearly as full an effort because the staff has managed all season. Regardless of not taking pictures significantly nicely from the sphere (42.6 p.c) or from three (30.6 p.c), 5 gamers ending in double-figures was sufficient to prime the Jazz, who’ve now misplaced 4 straight. Devin Booker’s 24 factors led the Suns, whereas Lauri Markannen scored a game-high 25 in defeat.
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