Lakers and Pacers, first candidates for the cup

LAKERS 131 – JAZZ 99
The Lakers sealed their ticket to the playoffs of this new tournament as first in Group A of the West (4-0) with an undisputed victory against the Utah Jazz who were already losing by 30 points in the third quarter.

Anthony Davis was the master of the paint with 26 points (magnificent 11 of 14 from the field) and 16 rebounds in 29 minutes while LeBron James contributed 17 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists in just 24 minutes.

LeBron also became the first player in NBA history to surpass 39,000 points.

HAWKS 152 – MARKERS 157
Tyrese Haliburton marveled with 26 points in the third quarter and finished with 37 points (including 9 triples) and 16 assists as the Pacers qualified for the quarterfinals of this new tournament by beating the Hawks in a game they lost by 20 points in the second quarter. .

In a fascinating duel of tireless attacks, Trae Young shone in Atlanta with 38 points (including 5 triples) and 8 assists, but he could not stop the Pacers, who are mathematically first in Group A of the East (3-0).

SIXERS 119 – CAVALIERS 122
Darius Garland (32 points and 8 assists) and Jarrett Allen (26 points and 13 rebounds) led the Cavaliers’ overtime victory in Philadelphia against the Sixers who, at 2-2, already have a very difficult time getting through the group stage.

Joel Embiid (32 points and 13 rebounds) was the top scorer for the Sixers who failed to take advantage of Donovan Mitchell’s defeat in Cleveland.

SOLES 120 – BLAZERS 107
The Suns are still alive in the fight for a wild card in the West thanks to the 31 points and 9 assists of Kevin Durant, who also became the eleventh highest scorer in NBA history.

Deandre Ayton, in his first appearance in Phoenix after leaving the Suns this summer, had 18 points and 8 rebounds for the Blazers.

MAGIC 126 – RAPTOR 107
Paolo Banchero (25 points) led six Magic players in double-digit scoring to double the Raptors.

Dennis Schroder (24 points) was the most productive in Toronto’s attack.