By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With Kristaps Porzingis striving in a matchup with Victor Wembanyama, the Boston Celtics defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 116-103, in TD Garden on Wednesday.
Lasting 37 minutes, the Latvian big threw in 29 points with 10/16 field goals, including three triples. He added six rebounds, one block, and one steal. “The impact he has on the defensive end, just with his wingspan and length is historic. We haven’t seen this. Even me, I felt like I had to give him something to try to get the shot off,” he talked about facing Wemby, simulating his fakes to the reporters, “He’s just a special player.”
Portuguese teammate Neemias Queta did not get on the board over 26 seconds. For the losing side, the French prodigy piled up 17 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks, in addition to Polish Jeremy Sochan banking in four points and Georgian Sandro Mamukelashvili limited to 26 seconds.
After keeping Swiss Clint Capela (back) on the sidelines and ruling out Czech Vit Krejci (lower back contusion) for at least three more weeks, the Atlanta Hawks fell to the New York Knicks, 149-148, in overtime. The only remaining European option for head coach Quin Snyder, French Zaccharie Risacher put up 16 points in the Madison Square Garden. With British O.G. Anunoby (right foot sprain) and French Pacome Dadiet (right great toe sprain) remaining out, German Ariel Hukporti grabbed one rebound in two minutes for the Knicks.
Meanwhile, Spanish Jordi Fernandez secured a 20th win in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season, guiding the Brooklyn Nets past the Philadelphia 76ers, 100-96, in Barclays Center. British Tosan Evbuomwan chipped in two points, two assists, and one steal, and Croatian Bojan Bogdanovic (left foot) remained sidelined. On the wrong end, French Guerschon Yabusele finished with five points and Turkish Adem Bona had two points.