Karl-Anthony Towns made history in the duel with the San Antonio Spurs. Meanwhile, the L.A. Clippers have to fear for the direct play-off entry.
Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves led his team to a 149-139 victory over the San Antonio Spurs with 60 points. The outstanding centre also grabbed 17 rebounds. The 26-year-old is now the first player in NBA history with at least 60 points, 15 rebounds and a three-point shooting percentage of 60 percent. He is also only the fifth centre to score at least 60 points after Shaquille O’Neal, David Robinson, Wilt Chamberlain and George Mikan.
Isaiah Hartenstein, on the other hand, suffered a narrow defeat with his Los Angeles Clippers. They lost 111-120 in overtime against the Cleveland Cavaliers, with the pro coming off the bench to score ten points and grab six rebounds. The Clippers, who were missing Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris, remain in eighth place in the West, but their chances of a direct play-off spot have fallen further. Highlight of the game: A monster block by Evan Mobley against Ivica Zubac.
Bucks beat Jazz – James rants again
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks celebrated a win against the Utah Jazz. Especially Giannis Antetokounmpo (30 points) played a major role in the victory of the reigning champions after an entertaining game.
The Los Angeles Lakers still have to fear for the play-offs. Even superstar LeBron James could not prevent the 103-114 defeat against the Toronto Raptors with 30 points, and the record champion, ranked ninth in the West, must even tremble for the play-in tournament. On display once again: The team chemistry does not fit, several times James discussed with his teammates and scolded wildly after a false start and an early 20-point deficit.