Two more small victories, and the Cavaliers will be sure to find the playoffs. A first without LeBron James since 1998! Tonight, JB Bickerstaff’s players won again against the Nets (116-114), and this time it was on a last-second 3-pointer from Isaac Okoro. A real “game winner” which concludes a superb “comeback” since the Nets led by eight points with two minutes remaining (112-104). The following ? A missed shot and a stray ball from Spencer Dinwiddie, a marvelous “step back” from Donovan Mitchell from five yards, and then that last possession where Donovan Mitchell finds himself on the throw line.
With 11 seconds left, Brooklyn still leads 114-112. The All-Star guard puts in the first, but he misses the second, and there, it is an unlikely possession with this same Mitchell who misses several taps, players who end up on the ground, and finally, the ball fails Okoro, alone in the corner. He puts it in, and the Cavaliers miraculously get away with it!
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
Brooklyn drops out of the Top 6. While the Heat wakes up, the Nets crack, and this 5th loss in a row pushes them back to 7th place. And what does the calendar have in store for us? A superb Miami – Brooklyn Saturday night.
Still no Ben Simmons… Injured in the knee and back, the former Sixers All-Star has still not left the infirmary, and according to Jacque Vaughn, he trains in his corner.
A first for Okoro. Author of a beautiful 3/4 from 3-points, and especially the 3-points of the win, Okoro had never managed a “game winner” in his career.
TOPS & FLOPS
✅Donovan Mitchell. He misses the launch of the equalizer, then several tap dances. But his aggressiveness pays off in the end with 31 points and leadership in the “money time”.
✅ Evan Mobley. The racket boss with sure hands on offense and intimidation on defense.
✅ Mikal Bridges. He deserved better as he behaved as a leader throughout the match, with accuracy and talent.
✅ ⛔Spencer Dinwiddie. One of his best matches since his return, but some questionable choices in the “money time” tarnish the note.
⛔ Dorian Finney-Smith. He loses an ultra-important ball in the last seconds, and he brings nothing in attack. Overall disappointing since arriving.
THE FOLLOWING
Cleveland (47-28) : reception of the Rockets on Sunday.
Brooklyn (39-34) : trip to Miami on Saturday.
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