SUMMARY
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TJ Warren scored 39 points as the in-form Indiana Pacers inflicted a 116-111 defeat on LeBron James and his stuttering Los Angeles Lakers, who have 3 three in a row as the NBA playoffs approach.
The Pacers’ win ensured the top regular-season record in the NBA will belong to the Milwaukee, despite the Bucks losing 136-132 to Dallas in overtime.
“I just feel like I’m in a groove,” Warren said. “As a team, we’re in a groove, good rhythm, high energy, we come out with a lot of effort.”
“We’re just together. We’ve just got to keep the chemistry hot. We just have to keep it up heading to the playoffs.”
The Bucks (55-15) will not have the home court advantage that usually comes with the top mark.
All games are being played in a quarantine bubble at the Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida due to the coronavirus pandemic that halted the season in March.
The Pacers improved to 4-1 since the restart, closing with a 13-5 run to beat the Western Conference top seed Lakers, who fell to 2-4 in the bubble and 51-18 overall.
That was despite 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists from three-time NBA champion James — the only LA starter in double figures. Anthony Davis went 3-of-14 from the floor for only 8 points.
“This stretch right here… it’s going to strengthen us,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said.
“We’re playing against great defenses. That’s the best way to prepare you. I’m optimistic about our game overall.”
The Pacers and the Miami Heat, likely first-round playoff foes fighting for the 4th seed, meet on Monday and Friday.
Meanwhile, the Lakers open the playoffs against the winner of a six-team fight for the last playoff spot in the West.
The Phoenix Suns improved to 5-0 – their longest win streak since 2014 – in the bubble by beating the Heat, 119-112.
With the win, the Suns (31-39) moved a half-game behind ninth-place Portland Trail Blazers in the West playoff fight.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points, while Deandre Ayton added 18 points and 12 rebounds.
The Nuggets, No. 3 in the West, kept pace with the Los Angeles Clippers by outlasting the Utah Jazz, 134-132, in a double overtime thriller.
Nikola Jokic sparked the Nuggets with 30 points and 11 rebounds. Jamal Murray had 23 points and 12 rebounds in his bubble debut.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 35 points. – Rappler.com
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