NBA: Denver and Phoenix intractable, Wembanyama was not enough

In the west as in the east, the big names showed their muscles, with high-level individual performances but the defeats continue to follow one after another for the Frenchman Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs.

Opposed to Utah Jazz, Victor Wembanyama could not prevent the 12th defeat in the last 13 matches for San Antonio. After his historic performance against the Lakers on Friday (27 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 interceptions, 5 blocks), the French pivot was the author of a slightly more modest meeting in attack (22 points) while continuing to impress in the defensive sector (10 rebounds, 5 blocks).

When he plays like this, what can happen to the Denver Nuggets? Nikola Jokic, double MVP (best player of the NBA regular season), played at a rare level on the San Francisco floor with an XXL triple double on the scoreboard (32 points, 16 rebounds and 16 assists) . It was also a question for Denver to show the attitude of the reigning champion in front of a Golden State team in progress (7 victories in the last 9 matches, before this meeting), it was done, in style (103-119) . The Colorado franchise is 4th in the West.

He is also one of the favorites to become the next MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again offered a high-level performance to his Thunder franchise. Oklahoma City, traveling to Houston, took advantage of the three-point success of its players (48.6%) and the leadership of its leader (36 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 interceptions, 1 block). Chet Holmgren (29 points) and Jalen Williams (22 points) left very little hope for the Rockets (110-123). The Thunder are co-leader in the West, with the same record as Minnesota (40 wins for 17 losses)

It was an expected duel at the end of February. Two great western franchises and talented players who have distinguished themselves. Los Angeles, carried by the indestructible LeBron James (39 years old), top scorer of the match (28 units), was able to count on its starters. The starting five scored 97 points out of the 113 total. Same observation on the Phoenix side. The Suns scored 123 points, including 105 from the five players who started the game.

It was too easy for Milwaukee (119-98). Opposed to a Philadelphia team still without an injured Joel Embiid, the Bucks made short work of their opponents. The men of Doc Rivers, former Philadelphia coach, recently named head of the Wisconsin franchise, even led by 25 units in the fourth quarter. Note the impressive shooting success: 54% for Milwaukee, 3rd in the East. Nicolas Batum scored 6 points in 17 minutes of play.