By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Jonas Valanciunas knew that it was a must-win game for Memphis and he delivered. The Lithuanian big man had his first-ever NBA triple-double with 26 points, 19 rebounds and 12 assists as the Grizzlies beat the top-seeded Bucks and secured their spot in the playoffs play-in.
The final score was 119-106 as the Bucks didn’t have Giannis Antetokounmpo due to his ban for head-butting Mo Wagner. Without the defending MVP, Milwaukee simply was disconnected and inefficient.
Dillon Brooks added 31 points for the winning side and the favorite to win the rookie of the year award Ja Morant also completed the game with a triple-double (12 p. 13 r. 10 as.).
Brook Lopez with 19 points was the top scorer of the Bucks who have little motivation in this game.
Meanwhile, behind 27 points by Devin Booker Phoenix got the 128-102 win over Dallas and remained unbeaten with an 8-0 record in the Orlando “Bubble”. However, in order to get a chance to compete for the playoffs, they also need for Portland to lose to the Nets.
Boban Marjanovic with 18 points and 20 rebounds was the best player of the Mavs, who have also secured their spot in the playoffs, and Luka Doncic scored 18 points in just 13 minutes on the court.
The Bucks will face Orlando in the East, while the 7th in the West Dallas will play against the LA Clippers.