NBA – suspense, superstars and ot: the los angeles clippers qualified for the playoffs, the warriors spin in play -in

The poster at the top of the evening between the Warriors and the Clippers presented a major issue in the Playoff race to the west. And it felt on the ground. This last match of the season already had the appearance of a playoff meeting with everything that represents: intensity, defense, individual exploits, hardness and suspense all along. It even took an extension to decide between two teams who fought to the end to hang the place in the top-6 promised to the winner. The loser being tilted in the play-in.

The Clippers had the merit of resisting all the Runs of the Warriors, without ever giving the impression of panicking. Neither when they took the water at the end of the first quarter nor when their opponents rushed in the Money Time. The Californian training rested on its achievements and on the talent of its superstars. Kawhi Leonard (33 points) and James Harden (38 points, 10 assists) dissected the defense of Golden State possession after possession by forcing insulation.

Jimmy Butler (30) held the Warriors at arm's length in the first half to compensate for the awkwardness of a discreet Stephen Curry and limited by faults. But the best shooter of all time woke up at the end of the game, when his team needed it most. Its award -winning shots and penetrations to the circle completely revived the dubs. He scored 21 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter and extension. His teammates failed to find him on the very last possession, with a chance to equalize at 122 everywhere. Buddy Hield missed his attempt and Harden sealed the fate of the meeting on the free throw line. Golden Stateh, seventh, will therefore play against Memphis to try to hang his place in the playoffs. The clippers, fifths, will therefore face the Nuggets in the first round.

Minnesota was to win to ensure its place in the top-6 of the Western Conference. The Timberwolves did the job by beating jazz more difficult than expected (116-105) based in particular on the 43 points of Anthony Edwards. The star and his teammates have accelerated in the third quarter. Rudy Gobert was also decisive with 19 points, 18 rebounds and 4 counters in 38 minutes in the wake of his 35 points against Brooklyn. The Wolves therefore finish sixths and will challenge the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.

The franchises traditionally do without their executives in the last match of the season and it gives other players the opportunity to illustrate. Even if it means ending up with improbable boxes, like that of the veteran Pat Connaughton, author of his best career match against the pistons. He scored 43 points for the Bucks, who ended up winning after extension (140-133).

The Wizards won in Miami on a miraculous float in the Rookie Bub Carrington (15 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists). A basket with the board that spoils the performance of Jaime Jaquez, author of 41 points for the Heat. Alex Sarr finished with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Like the number of matches started by Chris Paul this season, his twentieth in the NBA. The 39 -year -old veteran, soon 40, remained healthy throughout the year and signed a new record for a player so far in his career. Only six players have played all the games this season, including Mikal Bridges, who only spent 6 seconds on the field on Sunday evening. For his last outing of the year, CP3 therefore compiled 15 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 interceptions during a spurs victory against raptors

Rayan Rupert has accumulated 13 points and 10 rebounds during a Victory of the Trail Blazers against the Lakers on Sunday (109-81). Beaten by team B of Celtics, Moussa Diabaté (10 points, 9 rebounds) and Tidjane Salaün (5 points, 5 rebounds) were able to take advantage of the last match without stake for the Hornets to play 25 and 35 minutes respectively.

Only 9 minutes of playing time (and 6 points) for Zaccharie Risacher, released on injury. His Hawks still beat the Magic, the team they will find in a play-in match that will determine the seventh of the Eastern Conference. Four points and as many rebounds for Pacôme Dadiet, aligned for the last regular game match of the Knicks (winners of the Nets).

Hawks – Magic : 117-105
Celtics – Hornets : 93-86
Nets – Knicks : 105-113
Sixers – Bulls : 102-122
Heat – Wizards : 118-119
Bucks – Pistons : 140-133
Cavaliers – Pacers : 118-126
Grizzlies – Mavericks : 132-97
Rockets – Nuggets : 111-126
Timberwolves – Jazz : 116-105
Kings – Suns : 109-98
Pelicans – Thunder : 100-115
Trail Blazers – Lakers : 109-81
Spurs – Raptors : 125-118
Warriors – Clippers : 124-119