Alex Sarr, the executioner of the Blazers

Nine matches they did not win! Under pressure to the end, young people Wizards this time he was able to meet the challenge of winning against Portland. The Blazers fought hard, led by Shaddon Sharp, lively as always (31 points). But Washington held firm, like a duel between them Alec Sarr and Donovan Clingan, who eventually changed in favor of a DC team boosted by flashes of brilliance from the pair of Carrington-George (11 and 19 points) at the end of the game and the experience of Khris Middleton (19 points).

After a quick watch period during which 8 points from Alex Sara answered 2/2 3-pointers by Danny Avdia, Portland went on an 8-0 run capped by Ryan Rupert and Danny Avdia to take the lead after 12 minutes (26-28). The Blazers rose to +7 thanks to a dunk and a three-pointer by Ryan Rupert (31-38) before suffering a rebellion by the Wizards.

The locals actually responded with a 16-0 run, relying on Alex Sarr twice at the rim to restart the machine, then Tre Johnson and Bilal Coulibaly from long range to make it 47-38. Three-pointers by Alexa Sara, twice, and Keyshawn George allowed Washington to maintain a 7-point lead at the break (60-53).

Washington’s team win

Portland managed to reignite suspense after returning from the locker room, mixing Toumani Kamara’s quality on the outside with Donovan Clingan’s effectiveness under the boards. Despite the efforts of Tre Johnson and three-pointers by Carrington-Branham, the duo of Sharp-Avdia did everything necessary to allow the Blazers to approach the finals with a one-point lead (86-87).

Enough to attack the final with confidence, even if Alex Sarr gradually regained the upper hand over Donovan Clingan, between his bleeding counter, his fade with a bonus foul and his dunk on the tap to put his team back in the lead (100-99). On his side, the young guard composed of Bub Carrington and Keeshavn George took over at the best time to tie a terrible 12-2, between an incredible float of the first and a decisive 3-pointer of the second (112-106).

Despite Shaddon Sharpe’s last bursts of brilliance, Keeshon George and Khris Middleton didn’t flinch when it came time to get the job done and earn this 11th win of the season (115-111).

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Keyshon George’s last quarter. The Wizards winger rocked the end of the game with his 11 points in the final act, but not only that, given the fierce battle for the rebound against Donovan Clingan in the crucial moment of the game. His two three-pointers, as well as his throws at the end of the match, had all their weight. Another chosen lieutenant for Alex Sarr.

The next generation of tricolors in the spotlight. It’s not every night that we get the chance to see four French players playing on the same NBA floor. Alex Sarr took center stage with his big double-double with 29 points and 12 rebounds, but Bilal Coulibaly also struggled with his 5 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks to contribute to the victory. On the contrary, in addition to Sidi Sissok, Ryan Rupert showed himself with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 5 interceptions.

Donovan Clingan gets hot with Alex Sara. The Blazers pivot has long been a problem for the Wizards, especially because of his rebounding activity (13 offensive rebounds!), which has caused serious conflicts with Alex Sara. The Frenchman did not dismount, and other teammates came to his aid to restrain him, such as Kyshawn George. Enough to spark a rivalry between the two interiors?

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.