CHICAGO (EFE).– The Los Angeles Lakers felt the absence of Luka Doncic and fell this Saturday 132-116 against the Portland Trail Blazers, on an NBA day marked by the historic performance of Anthony Edwards, who scored 55 points without being able to avoid the defeat of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and by the solid triumph of the Boston Celtics, who continue to put pressure in the Eastern Conference.
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Without the stellar Slovenian, out due to a groin injury after scoring 39 points in his previous game, the Lakers suffered their fifth loss in the last six matches and remain sixth in the West with a 24-15 record. Doncic’s absence was joined by those of Deandre Ayton, Jaxon Hayes, and Austin Reaves, further weakening the team led by JJ Redick.
Shaedon Sharpe led Portland with 25 points, while Jerami Grant and Caleb Love contributed 22 units each. For the Lakers, Marcus Smart was the top scorer with 25 points, and LeBron James nearly had a triple-double by registering 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.
Edwards Shines, but Spurs Survive
In Minnesota, Anthony Edwards starred in the best scoring night of his career by scoring 55 points, with 19 of 33 in field goals and nine three-pointers, but his performance was not enough to avoid the 126-123 defeat against the San Antonio Spurs.
Frenchman Victor Wembanyama was decisive with 39 points and nine rebounds, leading the Spurs, who took advantage of the fall of the Oklahoma City Thunder to close the gap at the top of the West.
Nuggets Rely on Murray
Without Nikola Jokic, absent due to knee discomfort, the Denver Nuggets found their offensive leader in Jamal Murray. The Canadian point guard scored 42 points to guide the 121-115 victory over the Washington Wizards, with the support of Tim Hardaway, who scored 30 points. Murray and Hardaway combined for 31 points in the final quarter to seal the victory.
Celtics Dominate in Atlanta
The Boston Celtics cruised to a 132-106 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, in a game where Spaniard Hugo González contributed seven points and nine rebounds in 30 minutes. Jaylen Brown led the offense with 41 points and Sam Hauser added 30, including ten three-pointers. Boston, second in the East with a 26-16 record, reached a 43-point lead.
Pistons crush Pacers
The Detroit Pistons reinforced their lead in the East with a crushing 121-78 victory over the Indiana Pacers, who were limited to just 25 points in the first half. Indiana recorded one of the worst offensive performances in a half in NBA history, making only ten of 43 field goals and one three-pointer in 18 attempts.
Among other outstanding results, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Utah Jazz 138-120 with 23 points from Klay Thompson, while the Phoenix Suns beat the New York Knicks 106-99 at Madison Square Garden, led by Devin Booker, who scored 27 points.
