NBA – DeMar DeRozan puts on his MVP costume, the Celtics dominate the Nets

The Player: DeMar DeRozan resumes his insane streak

A break and it starts again. Halted by the arrival of All-Star Weekend when he had just broken a Wilt Chamberlain record, DeMar DeRozan returned from Cleveland with the firm intention of continuing his historic series of consecutive appearances with at least 35 points on the clock and 50 % address. A series increased to 8 games in a row after his 37 past units (15 of 21 on shots) against the Hawks last night. With a victory for the Bulls on arrival (112-108).

The MVP candidate has also actively participated in the success of his family. Atlanta still led 108-105 when DeRozan finished the game with a bang to turn the tide in a few possessions. He scored a first jump shot then a second with the foul – and the converted throw – while blocking a layup attempt from Trae Young in the meantime. All in 58 seconds. Chicago is then ironed in front of the score to win a sixth victory in a row. The Bulls thus regain their place on the throne of the Eastern Conference.

The game: Jayson Tatum and the Celtics get off to a good start

After chaining 9 wins in a row to finally fall just before the last All-Star Game, the Celtics resumed their march forward by beating the Nets quite dryly on Thursday (129-106). Jayson Tatum was the strongman of the evening with 30 points scored. All of Boston’s five major players also reached 10 points: 18 points for Jaylen Brown, 15 for Marcus Smart or 11 with 13 rebounds for Al Horford. The franchise of Massachusetts continues to approach very seriously the top five of the Eastern Conference. On the other hand, Brooklyn, still deprived of Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons, and again of Kyrie Irving at home for a few weeks, remains on 8 defeats in 10 matches and stagnates in eighth place.

Performance: D’Angelo Russell guides Wolves

The Minnesota team is on a mission at the end of the season. The Wolves are finally able to hang the playoffs. Or at least the play-in. But they have to keep up their pace. The victory against the Grizzlies, third in the West, is more than encouraging. They won 119-114 on D’Angelo Russell’s 37 points. The leader scored 23 in the fourth quarter, including the award-winning basket to give his side the advantage in the final moments. He added 9 assists. Minnesota is now a small victory from sixth place held by Denver.

The team: Suns hold on without Chris Paul

Phoenix was playing without maestro Chris Paul for the first time since the point guard was injured for the next 6-8 weeks. The Suns have not yet made a gift to the Thunder (126-116) to get an eighth straight win. Devin Booker perfectly took over from CP3 by scoring 25 points, of course, but above all by distributing 12 assists. Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson upped their game by scoring 21 points each. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, returned after 10 games away, compiled 32 points and 5 assists for Oklahoma City.

The rookie: Cade Cunningham wins his duel with Evan Mobley

There was bound to be a game in the game between Cade Cunningham and Evan Mobley in Detroit’s duel with Cleveland last night. The first and third picks of the last draft are both among the best rookies this season and they can still claim the trophy for the best rookie of the year. Cunningham won by leading the Pistons to victory over the Cavaliers (106-103), thanks in particular to his 4 decisive shots in the last 46 seconds. He finished with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists while Mobley was content with 12 points and 8 rebounds.

The image: Kings and Nuggets show solidarity with Ukrainian Alex Len

Denver and Sacramento players showed their support for Ukraine, the home country of Kings member Alex Len, ahead of Thursday night’s game between the two teams.

The results of the night in the NBA

Pistons – Riders: 106-103
Nets-Celtics: 106-129
Bulls-Hawks: 112-108
Timberwolves-Grizzlies: 119-114
Thunder-Suns: 104-124
Trail Blazers-Warriors: 95-132
Kings-Nuggets: 110-128