The Lakers handed Minnesota their fifth loss (111-102) in as many games, matching the franchise’s worst start to a season since taking up residence in Los Angeles on Friday in the NBA, where Milwaukee remains undefeated with a fourth consecutive win.
We had to go all the way back to 2015-2016, the last played by the idol Kobe Bryant, to see the purple and gold, back on top in 2020 by winning his 17th championship title, to present this record (0-5).
It’s LeBron James, who hasn’t had such a bad start since his rookie year with Cleveland in 2003, and his teammates are more than two shy of the club record, which dates back to 1957, when the team that had then in Minneapolis, before moving. at California in 1960, started his season 0-7.
In the damaging absence of Anthony Davis, injured in the lower back, and with Russell Westbrook, subbing in the kickoff but then not sparing his efforts (18 pts, 8 rebounds), “LBJ” still did what was able (28 pts). , 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 interceptions), without managing to change the outcome of the meeting.
Because his Lakers have lost too many balls (22 against 10), they have fallen on Timberwolves more armed collectively, such as Rudy Gobert, imperial interior (22 pts, 21 rbds, 2 against), Anthony Edwards (29 pts) and Karl -Anthony Towns (21 pts, 8 rebounds, 7 assists).
In a reverse push, Milwaukee, who succeeded the Lakers on the NBA throne in 2021, easily dominated the Knicks (119-108), despite the poor direction (neither team shot 40%). but relying on his double MVP (2019, 2020). ) Giannis Antetokounmpo, close to the triple-double (30 pts, 14 rebounds, 9 assists). For New York, Evan Fournier scored 11 points (4 rebounds).
– Maxey success –
Boston, unfortunate finalist in June against the Warriors, was surprised at home by the Cavaliers, winners after overtime (132-123), led by a duo of Donovan Mitchell/Caris LeVert, with 41 points each, more prolific than the tandem Jayson. Tatum / Jaylen Brown and their 32 points each led the Celtics.
In Phoenix, the Suns easily disposed of the Pelicans (124-111), thanks mainly to the solid game of Mikal Bridges (27 pts).
Portland, even without Damian Lillard, injured in a calf, did the same against the Rockets (125-111). Fifth success in six games thanks to Anfernee Simmons (30 pts) and Jusuf Nurkic (27 pts, 15 rebounds).
The big individual performance of the night came from Tyrese Maxey, who poured in 44 points (personal best) on 9/12 from behind the arc (8 rbds) in Philadelphia’s (112-90) win at Toronto . All in the absence of Joel Embiid, hit in the knee, and with James Harden in dream mode (11 pts). What will give air to coach Doc Rivers, under fire from critics after a mediocre start to the season (four losses in six days).
In Atlanta, Trae Young (36 pts on 12/20, 12 assists) and Cade Cunningham (35 pts, 9 rebounds, 8 assists) fought in a magnificent duel of leaders, but the Hawks, much more armed collectively and skilled (56 7% success), largely beat the Pistons (136-112). Thus, Dejountay Murray (26 pts) and the bench (53 pts) contributed greatly to their success.
In Detroit, the French Kilian Hayes was active, without weight (2 pts, 5 rebounds, 4 assists). No more than Théo Maledon (8 pts, 5 rebounds, 3 assists) during Charlotte’s defeat in Orlando (113-93), who finally experienced the joy of a first victory in six days, following his debutant Paolo Banchero (21 pts, 12 rebounds, 7 assists).