Clippers Surprise Lakers and Historic Night for Spaniards in the NBA
The Los Angeles Clippers pulled off one of the day’s surprises by defeating the Lakers with a score of 103-88. In addition to the loss, the Lakers suffered the absence of Luka Dončić due to injury. The night was also marked by the outstanding performance of Kevin Durant with the Houston Rockets and by historic performances of the Spaniards Santi Aldama and Hugo González in the NBA.
Despite arriving with one of the worst records in the West, the Clippers 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, it was a night to forget. Adding to the defeat was Dončić’s injury, who did not return after halftime 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 defeated the Denver Nuggets 115-101 as visitors, led by Kevin Durant, who scored 31 points, in a clear rematch after the defeat suffered five days earlier in that same scenario.
The triumph ended Denver’s six-game winning streak 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, achieving 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 Boston Celtics’ 112-96 victory over 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 Featured Results
The Pistons defeated the Hornets 112-86, with a triple-double from Cade Cunningham (22-10-10).
The Pelicans defeated the Pacers 129-109, led by Zion Williamson (29 points).
The Magic defeated the Jazz 128-127 in overtime, with a decisive basket by Desmond Bane.
The 76ers defeated the Mavericks 121-114, with 38 points from Tyrese Maxey.
The Warriors defeated the Suns 119-116, with 28 points from Stephen Curry.
The Trail Blazers defeated the Kings 98-93.
