Flagg (19 years old) was nevertheless exceptional with 32 points, like his teammate Naji Marshall, keeping the Mavs in the game with his complete offensive palette, showing himself in particular with “floating” shots over the giant Wembanyama.
“Wemby” stood out at the end of the match by being solid on the free throw line, or with a decisive counter against Daniel Gafford after some great defensive patience 2 minutes from the siren.
The Spurs consolidate their second place in the West with their 35th success of the season, a total that they had not reached for seven years (48 victories at the end of the 2018-2019 season).
NBA: James Harden, the Cavs’ bold bet to do as well as with LeBron James
Yabusele shakes up with the Bulls
Confined to starving playing time with the New York Knicks, Guerschon Yabusele quickly stood out with the Chicago Bulls, less than 24 hours after the announcement of his transfer, which took place before the market closed on Thursday at midday.
The captain of the France team compiled 15 points, his season high, 11 rebounds and 3 assists in 33 minutes coming off the bench, during Chicago’s defeat in Toronto (123-107).
Yabusele (30 years old) hopes to relaunch in a franchise at the bottom of the table (11th in the East, 24v-28d) which began a new attempt at reconstruction this winter.
French rookie Nolan Traoré (19), starter with the Nets, equaled his scoring record with 21 points and 7 assists in a loss on the Orlando floor 118 to 98.
LA Clippers trade James Harden to Cleveland for Darius Garland
Detroit surprised by Washington
Leaders in the East (37v-13d), the Detroit Pistons were surprised at home by the poorly ranked Washington Wizards 126 to 117.
Cade Cunningham scored 30 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and delivered 8 assists, in vain. Interior Jalen Duren only played 12 minutes before leaving permanently with right knee pain.
Will Riley scored 20 points for the Wizards of French Alex Sarr (12 points, 6 rebounds) and Bilal Coulibaly (11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists).
The capital team, a big mover in the transfer market, will not be able to count on its duo of star recruits Trae Young and Anthony Davis for several weeks.
NBA: Oklahoma City, still deprived of Ajay Mitchell, again beaten by San Antonio, 8th victory in a row for the Knicks
Eight in a row for the Hornets
A team in good shape, the Charlotte Hornets won an 8th success in a row 109 to 99 on the floor of the Houston Rockets.
Rookie Kon Knueppel shone again with 24 points compared to Kevin Durant’s 31 points.
Frenchman Moussa Diabaté, holder, contributed with 7 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists.
Charlotte thus climbs to 10th place in the East (24v-28d), in last play-off position.
