Lakers fall to Blazers without Doncic; Edwards shines, but can’t prevent Timberwolves loss
The NBA gave us a day full of emotions, with outstanding individual performances and results that reconfigure the standings.
The Los Angeles Lakers, without the presence of Luka Doncic, suffered a defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers. Anthony Edwards starred in a historic night, although his performance was not enough for the Minnesota Timberwolves to get the victory.Lakers stumble against Portland
The Lakers felt the absence of Luka Doncic, who missed the game due to a groin injury. This was the Lakers’ fifth loss in their last six games, keeping them in sixth place in the Western Conference with a 24-15 record.
The losses of Deandre Ayton, Jaxon Hayes, and Austin Reaves were added to Doncic’s, further weakening the team.
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 achieved a triple-double by recording 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists.Edwards sets personal record, but Spurs prevail
In Minnesota, Anthony Edwards had a night to remember, scoring 55 points, his personal best. However, his effort was not enough to prevent the Timberwolves’ defeat against the San Antonio Spurs, who won with a score of 126-123.
Victor Wembanyama, with 39 points and nine rebounds, led the Spurs to victory.Nuggets Rely on Murray
Without Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets found in Jamal Murray their offensive reference. 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 achieved a resounding 132-106 victory against the Atlanta Hawks. 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, had a lead of 43 points.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 put up 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.
