The poorly classified Orlando has provided a surprise in the NBA on Friday. Orlando Magic gave the Brooklyn Nets their second loss in sixteen games. It became 121-113. The Nets miss the opportunity to take the lead in the east alone. Utah consolidated its rule in the west with a 112-115 win at Toronto.
For the Nets, still without the injured Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving’s 43 points were not enough on Friday. A less present James Harden still recorded 19 points. Orlando, the penultimate from the east, could count on an excellent Evan Fournier (31 points). He scored the last points in the slot. Aaron Gordon also had a lot of influence with 38 points. It was Orlando’s first win in ten matches.
Utah has been alternating victories with defeats for twelve games. After the defeat the day before yesterday in Washington, another victory in Toronto followed on Friday. Jazz stars were Donovan Mitchell (31 points) and Rudy Gobert (15 points and 16 rebounds). Mitchell scored eight points in the last ninety seconds, giving the Jazz the victory. With the Toronto Raptors, who sink to eleventh place in the east after their seventh loss in a row, Pascal Siakam (27 points) was the best player.
Utah thus remains in the lead in the west, where number three Phoenix took revenge against Minnesota red lantern. After the defeat 24 hours ago, this time was won 113-101.
Denver once again lived up to its reputation as a comeback team against Chicago. The Nuggets won against the Bulls 131-127, after extra time. At eight minutes from the end of regular time, Denver was still fourteen points in the hand. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray made the difference with both 34 points. Jokic just missed a triple-double, with 15 rebounds and 9 assists. The Bulls could count on a strong Zach LaVine (32 points).
Denver remains fifth in the west after a third consecutive victory, level with Portland, which beat Dallas 125-119. Damian Lillard was good for 31 points, CJ McCollum made one more. At Dallas, Luka Doncic (38 points, 9 assists and 9 rebounds) again came close to a triple-double.
