LOS ANGELES. – The Los Angeles Clippers starred in one of the big surprises of the day by defeating the Lakers 103-88, who also suffered the loss of Luka Dončić due to injury, on a night also marked by the revenge of Kevin Durant with the Houston Rockets, as well as by historical performances of the Spaniards Santi Aldama and Hugo González in the NBA.
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Despite arriving with one of the worst records in the West, the Clippers (7-22) dominated the game from start to finish, reaching a maximum lead of 22 points in the third quarter. Kawhi Leonard led the victory with 32 points and 12 rebounds, followed by James Harden (21 points, 10 rebounds) and John Collins (17 points and 12 rebounds). For the Lakers (19-8) it was a night to forget. To the defeat was added the injury of Dončić, who did not return after the break due to a leg contusion. Without Austin Reaves, also out due to physical discomfort, LeBron James carried the offense by scoring 36 points, his highest figure of the season.Durant gets revenge in Denver
In another outstanding duel, the Houston Rockets (17-8) defeated the Denver Nuggets (20-7) 115-101 as visitors, led by Kevin Durant, who scored 31 points, in what meant a clear revenge after the defeat suffered five days earlier in that same scenario. The triumph ended a streak of six consecutive victories for Denver and led to the ejection of home coach David Adelman, in a tense game with the referees. The victory also relieved Houston after the fine imposed days ago on their coach Ime Udoka for criticizing the refereeing.Historic night for Spanish basketball
The day had a strong Spanish accent. Santi Aldama signed the best performance of his career by scoring 37 points with the Memphis Grizzlies, in addition to 10 rebounds, to achieve his first double-double of the season. The Canary Islands player shot for 65.2 % from the field, including 5 three-pointers, although his team fell 130-122 against the Washington Wizards after squandering a 20-point lead. In Toronto, rookie Hugo González achieved his first double-double in the NBA with 10 points and 10 rebounds, being a key player in the victory of the Boston Celtics (17-11) by 112-96 against the Raptors. In almost 28 minutes on the court, the Spaniard also contributed two steals and a block, with a collective impact of +37.Other notable results
- Pistons defeated 112-86 the Hornets, with a triple-double from Cade Cunningham (22-10-10).
- Pelicans surpassed 129-109 the Pacers, led by Zion Williamson (29 points).
- Magic beat 128-127 in overtime the Jazz, with a decisive basket from Desmond Bane.
- 76ers defeated 121-114 the Mavericks, with 38 points from Tyrese Maxey.
- Warriors surpassed 119-116 the Suns, with 28 points from Stephen Curry.
- Trail Blazers beat 98-93 the Kings.
