The crossover between Nuggets and Pelicans continues at the top of the Western Conference. The latter signed a fifth victory in a row by winning with style against a big team from the East, the Sixers (127-116), who cash, them, a second loss in a row after their good series of eight victories.
The visitors may have taken this match by the right end by sticking a 10-2 to start, they were quick to understand that CJ McCollum was in a great evening level address. With him and the less expected contribution of Willy Hernangomez, the Pelicans took the lead after twelve minutes (31-27).
The 76ers struggled even more to contain the opposing offense in a second quarter of play where Zion Williamson began to wake up while the Pelicans defense spawned a host of transition phases. CJ McCollum took the opportunity to register three 3-point baskets in quick succession in… 45 seconds of play. The duo Joel Embiid – James Harden having resources, Phila returned to the locker room with only three possessions behind (67-60).
Doc Rivers’ men were forced to make a lagging match since this gap was not called into question in the next twelve minutes, which ended with a very long shot from James Harden (99-91). NOLA always kept at least two possessions ahead and while Zion Williamson continued his damage inside, CJ McCollum delivered a layer from 3-pointers. By intercepting a pass from Joel Embiid, he even spun in transition to send behind the arc in first intention and sign the “dagger” two minutes from the end (124-110).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Joel Embiid-Zion Williamson duel. Each in their own way, the two interiors have done some serious work on the snowshoes. The first, in addition to direct finishes at the circle, scored many “jumpers” on the dribble exit around the free throw line. Neither Jonas Valanciunas, nor even less Willy Hernangomez could slow him down. The second made his power speak even more by scoring exclusively in the racket of the 76ers, most often in front of the “featherweight” PJ Tucker.
– Zion frustrates the Sixers. The interior of the Pelicans is also the player who has obtained the most free throws of the game. To the chagrin of the 76ers who continued to challenge the whistles obtained in the fourth quarter in particular. PJ Tucker received a technical foul, as did one of Doc Rivers’ assistants, while Joel Embiid also showed signs of frustration.
– Tyrese Maxey played again. As expected, he came off the bench for the 76ers. In 19 minutes, he scored 9 points with 4/10 on shots but finished with a poor -18 score. The usual starting back had a good streak in the last quarter but the 76ers didn’t want to put too much pressure on him. Victim of a broken left foot, he had not played since November 18.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ CJ McCollum. 42 points and above all a career record with 11 award-winning baskets, and a franchise record tied (Ryan Anderson, Peja Stojakovic and… Jonas Valanciunas) for the most 3-point baskets in one half. The point guard was brilliant throughout the evening. His final two missiles in the final act set his team apart for good.
✅⛔ James Harden. With 20 points at 5/8 on shots, the leader was very effective offensively. The big downside to his performance, supplemented by 10 assists, are his 7 balls lost most often on hazardous transmissions. NOLA fed on these too many “turnovers” to score 30 points.
THE PLAGUE JOSE ALVARADO AT WORK
The substitute point guard for the Pelicans did not sign his best game of the year. But this sequence, interception on a cut line, finishing on the counter-attack then obtaining a forceful passage – all to the detriment of James Harden – galvanized the local public.
THE FOLLOWING
Pelicans (23-12) : moving to Memphis, the next night.
76ers (20-14) : moving to OKC, the next night.
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