Boston Celtics extends Lead over Brooklyn Nets in Eastern Conference with 109-98 Victory
- World Soccer Today -
Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks had a strong performance in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, scoring 35 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists in a 119-115 win.
He also hit two crucial three-pointers that forced the game into overtime.
The game was described as physical, with Doncic getting knocked down by a hip check from Russell Westbrook.
He said that the game was difficult due to the physicality, the two overtimes, and the need to stay focused, but that the Mavericks were able to come out on top.
The Dallas Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Lakers 119-115 in an intense and physical game.
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with a 35-point triple-double, and was supported by Christian Wood's 24 points, Hardaway's 22 points and Spencer Dinwiddie's 17 points, 6 of which came in the second overtime.
Westbrook led the Lakers with 28 points off the bench, and James had 24 points and 16 rebounds, but the Lakers lost their second consecutive game.
In another game, the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Portland Trail Blazers 119-113, despite a 50-point performance from Damian Lillard.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 26 points, and Jarrett Allen added 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Ricky Rubio, who returned to the game after being out for over a year with a torn knee ligament, scored 9 points and gave the team an extra boost.
The Cavaliers strengthened their hold on fourth place in the Eastern Conference by moving a game ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers, who were beaten by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Boston Celtics beat the Brooklyn Nets 109-98, pushing their lead over the Nets in the Eastern Conference to 3 games.
Despite having a tough shooting night, Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon added 16 points each.
The game was played shortly after Jaylen Brown was ruled out with an injury.
The Nets, who were playing their first game without Kevin Durant due to a knee injury, coped well through the first three quarters and led by as many as 9 points in the first half and 5 in the third quarter before the Celtics pulled away.
The Celtics improved their shooting in the fourth quarter, connecting on 10 of 25 shots and clamped down defensively, holding the Nets to 16 points in the period on 6 of 19 shooting.
The Nets remained half a game ahead of the Milwaukee Bucks, who fell to the Miami Heat 108-102.
