Luka Doncic returns and decides derby, Simone Fontecchio also exults

Nine games in the NBA night, starting with the Los Angeles derby that smiles on the Lakers: the yellow-viola overcome the Clippers 125-122 at the end of a hard-fought challenge. An extraordinary Luka Doncic was decisive, author of 38 points and 11 assists, with very heavy plays in the final possessions. LeBron James finished with 13 points but also distributed 11 assists, while Austin Reaves added a crucial 29 points. Kawhi Leonard’s 31 points and Bennedict Mathurin’s 26 off the bench were not enough for the Clippers.

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ golden moment continues, on their seventh straight win after the trade that brought James Harden to Ohio. The Ohio team rolls over the Charlotte Hornets’ parquet 118-113 thanks to Donovan Mitchell’s 32 points and Jarrett Allen’s double-double (26 points and 14 rebounds). Harden contributed 18 points and 8 assists. For Charlotte, rookie Kon Knueppel’s 33 points stand out.

Season with little room for Simone Fontecchio, employed only in the finale of the Miami Heat’s wide 128-97 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. The Light Blue scored three points in less than three minutes. The top scorer for Miami is Tyler Herro, who from the bench signs 24 points. Jalen Johnson’s triple-double (16 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists) is not enough for the Hawks.

Results:

Charlotte Hornets – Cleveland Cavaliers 113-118
Memphis Grizzlies – Utah Jazz 123-114
Washington Wizards – Indiana Pacers 131-118
Atlanta Hawks – Miami Heat 97-128
Minnesota Timberwolves – Dallas Mavericks 122-111
New Orleans Pelicans – Milwaukee Bucks 118-139
Oklahoma City Thunder – Brooklyn Nets 105-86
Los Angeles Lakers – Los Angeles Clippers 125-122
Portland Trail Blazers – Denver Nuggets 103-157