The results have indicated unpredictability and excitement towards the tail end of the 2019-20 NBA season. The recent round of NBA matches have given the fans a lot of thinking to do, as defending champions Toronto Raptors continued their win streak versus the Western Conference leaders, Los Angeles Lakers, while their city rivals Los Angeles Clippers put in a dominating performance to send a wake-up call throughout the league. The battle for 8th seed also continues to intensify with crucial games to be played in the coming days.
Los Angeles Lakers 92 – 107 Toronto Raptors
The defending champions, Toronto Raptors put in a strong performance against one of the favourites for the NBA title this year, Los Angeles Lakers, to win their first game since the restart. Significantly, the Raptors have won 11 consecutive games vs the Lakers since the 2014-15 NBA season. The Lakers suffered massively in shooting, with a season-low shooting percentage of 35.4. For the Raptors, point guard Kyle Lowry put in one of his best performances of the season scoring 33 points, while OG Annuoby outscored MVP candidate, Lebron James with 23 points. Lakers also had a rough night in the 3 point range, making only 10 out of an attempted 40. The loss means that Lakers missed out on clinching top seed in the Western Conference before the gruelling playoffs.
Los Angeles Clippers 126 – 103 New Orleans Pelicans
Los Angeles Clippers gave us a glimpse of their mighty potential with a dismantling of the New Orleans Pelicans. The Clippers set a new franchise record for most 3’s in a game, scoring 25 of their 47. Paul George looked to be at his imperious best, scoring 28 points. With the continued absence of Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell, the performance vs the Pelicans just goes to show how dangerous they could be as the playoffs approach. New Orleans have had a disastrous start since the resumption of the season, losing both games and finding themselves in 11th position of the Western Conference. It looks like a mountain to climb for Zion and co to make the playoffs this season.
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Indiana Pacers 127 – 121 Philadelphia 76ers
T.J Warren scored a career-high 53 points to complete a season series over the Philadelphia 76ers. The forward also scored a career-high 9 3’s in a game. Warren becomes only the fourth player in Pacers’ NBA history to score 50+ points in a game. Joel Embiid had an impressive game scoring 41 points and making 21 rebounds, but was also involved in a confrontational war of words with teammate Shake Milton. Pacers stay in 5th spot in the Eastern Conference standings, followed by the 76ers.
Other NBA Results of the Day :
Miami Heat 125 – 105 Denver Nuggets
Oklahoma City 110 – 94 Utah Jazz
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