Sabonis’ triple-double, Jokic assist shy of it, another 40-point game for Embiid

By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net

Sacramento Kings had an easy job against New Orleans Pelicans, with Domantas Sabonis leading the way to a 123-108 victory.

The Lithuanian center recorded his eighth triple-double of the season, scoring 19 points with 11 rebounds and assists.

He also shot 8-13 from the field and continued with great performances that put him Top 10 in the NBA in rebounds, assists, FG percentage, double-doubles, and triple-doubles this season.

He clashed with his fellow countryman Jonas Valanciuans and took the victory, even with the Pelicans’ center having a good game with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Denver Nuggets returned in the fourth quarter to beat the Toronto Raptors 118-113 in front of their fans.

This time Nikola Jokic didn’t record a triple-double, as he was an assist shy of it with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Still, the Serbian center had another very efficient performance, shooting 5-8 from the field and hitting the only three-pointer he took.

Since January 1st, he’s been shooting 66/53/84% and is the first player to average 60+ FG percentage and 40+ percentage from beyond the arc.

Not too shabby for a two-time NBA MVP and a leading candidate to again take the prestigious award third time in a row.

Two European players gave a solid performance for the losing side, with Jakob Poeltl recording 18 points and nine rebounds against Jokic, while OG Anunoby scored 12 points.

One of his rivals for the MVP title is again Joel Embiid, who shined in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 147-143 win over Indiana Pacers.

The Cameronian, who can potentially wear national team jerseys of France and the US, had a brilliant scoring game with 42 points. Only Luka Doncic and Damian Lillard have more 40-point games.

He shot 11-16 from the field and an impressive 19-19 from the free-throw line.

Embiid recorded his 37th 40-point game; since 2000, no center came even close. Shaquille O’Neal had 23 games like that and is the next on the big men’s list after Joel.

Miami Heat defeated Atlanta Hows 130-128, as Bogdan Bogdanovic had 12 points for the losing side, while Clint Capela recorded another double-double with 12 points and ten rebounds.

NBA results

Cleveland Cavs – Boston Celtics 118-114 OT (Osman 6p, Rubio 2p)
Detroit Pistons – Portland TrailBlazers 104–110
Indiana Pacers – Philadelphia 76ers 143-147 (Embiid 42p)
Miami Heat – Atlanta Hawks 130–128 (Capela 12p, 10r, Bogdanovic 12p)
Denver Nuggets – Toronto Raptors 118-113 (Jokic 17p, 13r, 9a – Poeltl 18p, 9r, Anunoby 12p)
Sacramento Kings – New Orleans Pelicans 123-108 (Sabonis 19p, 11r, 11as – Valanciunas 19p, 12r)

2022-23 STANDINGS

EAST

WEST