The Race to the NBA Playoffs is heating up, with big wins for the LA Lakers and the Chicago Bulls in the latest round of fixtures. D’Angelo Russell starred for the Lakers with 27 points in a dominant victory over the Atlanta Hawks, while he also tied Nick Van Exel’s franchise record for three-pointers in a season. Elsewhere, the Bulls survived a comeback to beat the Portland Trail Blazers.
Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 136-105 to end a two-game losing run and increase their chances of making the playoffs.
Along with his impressive 27 points, D’Angelo Russell created history by matching Nick Van Exel’s Lakers record of 183 three-pointers made in a season.
The 28-year-old made six of his ten attempts from beyond the 3-point arc, and coach Darvin Ham commended the point guard for his significant play.
Ham remarked, “He has a green room.” Not a sign to proceed. An area in green.You know, his 3-point shooting ability is just simply outstanding. And we require all of it.
The Lakers led 73-59 at the half and continued to roll, winning each of the next three quarters.
In an all-around team effort, Anthony Davis returned with 22 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists, while LeBron James contributed 25 points and 10 assists.
As a result, the Lakers’ chances of earning a position in the play-in round were enhanced. The outcome lifted them above the Golden State Warriors into ninth place in the Western Conference.
At the United Centre, they were leading 89-75 heading into the fourth quarter, but the Trail Blazers came back to set up an exciting game.
Nevertheless, the Bulls made it through and solidified their ninth-place standing in the Eastern Conference, which is now good for a play-in tournament berth.
Jalen Brunson (34-5-7) was the star of the show for the Knicks, who remain fourth in the EC after a crucial victory. Steph Curry scored 27 points for the Warriors but it wasn’t enough to get his side over the line, with defeat leaving them 10th in the WC
With 28 points, DeMar DeRozan led the Chicago scoring, followed by Ayo Dosunmu and Nikola Vucevic, who each contributed 23 and 22 points.
Elsewhere, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Utah Jazz 114-104 thanks to an incredible slam by Anthony Edwards.
Edwards led the Timberwolves in scoring with 32 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists. He was in imperious form.
Jazz had a six-point advantage at the half, but heading into the fourth quarter at the Delta Centre, the score was tied 83–83. The visitors eventually took the victory.
Minnesota, who had won three straight, surpassed the Denver Nuggets to take second place in the Western Conference standings, while Utah dropped to 12th place as a result of the loss.
