Luka Doncic, with 27 points, and LeBron James, who was close to a triple-double with 31 points, feasted on Tuesday and reactivated the Los Angeles Lakers on an NBA night in which the Oklahoma City Thunder got revenge on the San Antonio Spurs, who were caught in second place in the West by the Denver Nuggets.
The Lakers left behind their three-game losing streak with an offensive recital against the Atlanta Hawks (141-116) in which the giant Deandre Ayton also participated, with a brilliant double-double of 17 points and 18 rebounds, his best performance since joining the purple and gold.
Doncic scored 27 points and 12 assists and LeBron James sealed 31 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists. At 41 years of age, King James is averaging more than 22 points per game.
All five of the Lakers’ starters scored in double figures, pending the return of Austin Reaves
Jake LaRavia scored 17 points, Marcus Smart had 16 and Gabe Vincent added ten for the Lakers off the bench to stop the Hawks, who came to Los Angeles in form after a run of three straight wins.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 26 points for the Hawks and CJ McCollum added 25 off the bench.
OKC is vindicated
After losing the previous three meetings this year, the Thunder redeemed themselves with a 119-98 win over the Spurs, led by Shai Gilgeous Alexander.
The Canadian scored 15 of his 34 points in a 40-24 third quarter that set the stage for the NBA champions’ victory.
Oklahoma City boasts the best record in the NBA, with 34 wins and only seven losses, ahead of the Spurs (27-13).
The Spurs did not exceed 40% shooting from the field. Victor Wembanyama was limited to 17 points and seven rebounds, and Stephon Castle was the leading scorer with 20 points.
The Nuggets took advantage of the Spurs’ defeat to join them in second place in the West, after winning 122-116 at the New Orleans Pelicans.
While waiting for the return of Serbian Nikola Jokic, who is sidelined with a knee injury, Jamal Murray sealed 35 points and six three-pointers and Peyton Watson contributed 31 in the Nuggets’ victory.
Durant overshadows Tre Jones’ big night
Kevin Durant sealed a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds and overshadowed Tre Jones’ great personal night (34 points and 11 of 12 shooting) to lead the Houston Rockets to a 118-112 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
Turkish player Alperen Sengun contributed to the victory with 23 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists.
Hard-fought victory for the Heat against the Suns
The Miami Heat snapped their three-game losing streak with a 127-121 victory over the Phoenix Suns at the Kaseya Center.
Bam Adebayo sealed 13 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, in which the Heat managed to give the decisive push after squandering a twenty-point lead in the third quarter.
Norman Powell shone with 27 points and Tyler Herro contributed 23 for Miami. Mexican Jaime Jaquez took advantage of his minutes off the bench with 16 points and eight assists.
The Suns snapped their three-game winning streak despite a great night from Dillon Brooks (25 points), Grayson Allen (25) and Devin Booker (24).
In addition, the Minnesota Timberwolves strolled in Milwaukee against the Bucks, whom they defeated 139-106 despite the absence of Anthony Edwards due to a foot problem.
Julius Randle led the Wolves with 29 points. For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 25 points and grabbed eight rebounds, but could not prevent the 23rd loss in 40 games.
Milwaukee is currently out of the playoff places.
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