Hornets prevent Irving’s return – Al Ittihad newspaper

New York (AFP)
The Boston Celtics topped the Eastern District in the NBA with a 134-112 win over its guest Minnesota Numberwolves, while Charlotte Hornets defeated Brooklyn Nets 119, disrupting Kyrie Irving’s participation for the first time this season. -110.
Jason Tatum scored 34 points, while Jallon Brown added 31 and 10 rebounds, leading the Celtics to their sixth win.
Boston took the lead 72-49 in the first half, its highest score in the first two quarters of the season with 47 wins against 28 defeats, equaling Miami’s record in the Eastern Province.
“Order is very important,” Brown said. We definitely want to take advantage of it. But at the same time we will face whoever the opponent is.
He continued: The war in Al Sharqia is going to be very fierce, so we are not running away from anyone.
Reigning champions Milwaukee Bucks III and Philadelphia 76ers IV enjoyed the same record (46-28) in the intense struggle for first place in the East.
Philadelphia lost 114-104 to West and League leader Phoenix Suns, strengthening their record 61-14 after their eighth consecutive victory.
From the winning side, Devin Booker scored 35 points, while Chris Paul added 19 and 14 assists. Cameroonian Joel Embide of Sevens Sixes was the standout with 37 points and 15 rebounds.
In Brooklyn, Irving, who has not been vaccinated against the corona virus, played his first home game after a change in epidemic-related rules in New York, which previously banned him from playing in home matches.
However, Charlotte refused to disrupt this comeback led by Lamelo Paul, who scored 33 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.
Kevin Durant was the top scorer in the Nets with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, while Irving added 16 points and 11 assists.
In New Orleans, LeBron James’ 39 points with the Los Angeles Lakers was not enough to avoid a 108-106 defeat against the Pelicans, who climbed to ninth in the West at the loss of the 2020 champion, finishing tenth. Last Qualifying Levels for the Playoffs. .