NBA: a mixed Wembanyama, Detroit’s sad record

Established as the pivot, Wembanyama started the match with a 3-point basket then a block on Kelly Olynyk, followed by an acrobatic alley-oop. To which were added 2 rebounds and 2 assists, all in 5 minutes. Rarely since the start of the season have we seen such ball movement for the benefit of the Frenchman who totaled 10 points in 11 minutes in the first act. After the break, the Jazz adjusted, defended themselves better against Wembanyama, entrusting their best offensive player Lauri Markannen (31 points) with the task of reducing the influence of the Frenchman. A success. Wembanyama played 13 minutes in the second act but his effectiveness waned (2/7 on shots). His teammates not seeming to be able to take over, the outcome could only be another defeat (130-118). A setback that annoyed legendary San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich. “It is time to ask for more consistency from some of my players. Otherwise, I’m going to have to make changes,” he said.

The Detroit Pistons suffered their 27th consecutive defeat against the Nets on Tuesday (112-118), a single-season record in the NBA, at the end of a fierce battle and after almost two months without a victory. Despite an exceptional Cade Cunningham (41 points), the evening once again ended badly. Even before the final whistle, fans were asking the owners to sell the team – “sell the team!” -, then the boos were unleashed and the players left the floor with their heads bowed, their faces hidden under white towels. If they lose Thursday in Boston, the Pistons will match the longest losing streak in NBA history, the 76ers' 28-game losing streak that spanned the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.

Since the return of their leader suspended for 25 games, the Memphis Grizzlies have had a string of successes. In a thrilling encounter, Ja Morant compiled 31 points to give his team victory in overtime against New Orleans (115-116). For the Louisiana players, this is the 3rd defeat in the last 4 meetings.

Two teams among the best in the Western Conference, two brilliant players (Shaï Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards), and a ultimately one-sided meeting. Rudy Gobert's Timberwolves (10 points, 5 rebounds) were unable to stem the Thunder's attacks (129-106). Oklahoma City made 60% of its shots, a very high score, especially against the best defense in the entire NBA.

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