National basketball player Maxi Kleber returned from a short injury layoff to play against the Detroit Pistons.
Kleber had missed two games recently, but now contributed five points in the Dallas Mavericks’ third win in a row. After overcoming knee problems, the Würzburg native was on the court for almost 18 minutes in the 116-86 win over the Detroit Pistons and hit his only two shots. He also grabbed seven rebounds. “I feel good,” he said, commenting on his team’s overall situation, “We have to keep the run we’re on right now. “
Luka Doncic again played the biggest role in the Texans’ 32nd win of the season with 33 points and 11 assists. The Mavs consolidated their playoff spot in the Western Conference with the win and remain fifth. The chasing Denver Nuggets also won, taking a 132-115 victory over the New York Knicks.
Suns continue to dominate – Bucks increase pressure
The Phoenix Suns continue to dominate at the top. The top game at the Philadelphia 76ers also went to last season’s finalists. The 114-109 win was the 14th in the last 15 games, with Devin Booker scoring 35 points.
In the Eastern Conference, the defending champions Milwaukee Bucks moved closer to the leaders Miami Heat with a 131-116 win over the Los Angeles Lakers led by LeBron James (27 points). L.A. were not helped by a 20-5 run in the final quarter. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 44 points for the Bucks, who are getting more and more into their stride and recorded their fourth win in a row.
Only the Golden State Warriors with nine victories and the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics with national team player Dennis Schröder with six each currently have longer series in the NBA. Schröder scored eleven points, four rebounds and one assist in the record champion’s 126-91 win over the Brooklyn Nets, who were without their three stars Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving.