Maxi Kleber has improved his personal scoring record again this season, recording 20 points in the Dallas Mavericks’ win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Just two days earlier, he had his best output of the season to that point with 19 points against the Miami Heat. But in the 125-118 win over the Pelicans, Kleber was clearly overshadowed by Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who put up a strong 49 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists. The seventh win from the last ten games consolidated the Texans’ play-off position and fifth place in the Western Conference.
Embiids 76ers defeat Antetokounmpo’s Bucks
In the top game of the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks 123-120. Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo fought a duel of the stars with the better result for Embiid. The 76ers’ most important player had 42 points, 14 rebounds and five assists. Antetokounmpo recorded 32 points, eleven rebounds and nine assists. Please the final phase for the Bucks: Khris Middleton got two three-point attempts just before the siren, but didn’t hit them.
Schroeder’s Rockets lose again
Dennis Schröder also suffered a loss in the third game for the Houston Rockets. Against the Los Angeles Clippers, the last team in the Western Conference had almost no chance and lost 111-142. Schröder was the lynchpin of the Rockets’ offence, as he was in the narrow defeat against the Phoenix Suns the day before, and had nine assists. But with only three of eleven shots he scored nine points, which was clearly below his potential. For the Clippers, Isaiah Hartenstein came off the bench to score 13 points and eight assists.
Butler decides after double overtime
Meanwhile, the Miami Heat prevailed against Charlotte – by a real show of strength. The final score was 111-107 after double overtime. The Hornets came back impressively after a weak start and led by 14 points in the final period, but could not bring the lead over time, partly because Bam Adebayo delivered a real highlight with a monster block against LaMelo Ball. In the end, it was Jimmy Butler who made it 107-102 with a three-pointer seconds before the end and secured the Heat’s victory.
