Scoreboard
Bucks 118, 76ers 116
Bulls 107, Wizards 94
Nets 130, Pistons 123
Mavericks 128, Lakers 110
What went down
In one of the biggest clashes of the season, the Milwaukee Bucks barely edged out the Philadelphia 76ers. Both teams’ MVP candidates showed out, but it was Giannis Antetokounmpo's clutch block on Joel Embiid to seal the game that served as the iconic—and maybe even symbolic—moment of this game.
Giannis gets the CLUTCH block in the closing seconds to secure the win for the @Bucks! #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/MFQUQfpe29
— NBA (@NBA) March 30, 2022
The two-time MVP finished with 40 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks to lead the Bucks to a 47-28 record with around two weeks left in the season. Philadelphia dropped to 46-29, but is just 1.5 games behind the first-placed Miami Heat while Milwaukee looks on with half a game back.
In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers kept free falling. They lost mightily to the Dallas Mavericks as Anthony Davis and LeBron James sat out due to injury. They allowed the Mavericks to score 82 points at the half, the most the franchise had given up since they moved to Los Angeles.
The Lakers are now 11th in the West at 31-44. From preseason favorites, the Lakers may not even make the play-in tournament this year.
Big-time baller
Kevin Durant was in his bag against the Detroit Pistons.
Stop.
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 30, 2022
Pop.
Cash. pic.twitter.com/AnOgwLdlM7
He dropped 41 points on the Pistons on 14-for-23 shooting while going perfect on nine attempts from the free throw line. He also had other goodies like 11 boards and three blocks.
With KD, the Nets might be the most dangerous play-in team ever.
What he said
If you had any hope of the Lakers turning their season around, let this quote from Frank Vogel before today’s game pour cold water on your optimism.
Frank Vogel calls the injury to LeBron James "the latest and maybe biggest blow to our psyche," which doesn't exactly hint at an imminent return.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) March 29, 2022
Did you see that?
Paul George made his return after missing the last 38 games due to a UCL tear in his elbow.
CLUTCH
— NBA (@NBA) March 30, 2022
Does PG know he hasn't played in over 3 months?
He's led the @LAClippers on a 32-12 run, they lead by 4 with 10 seconds remaining on TNT pic.twitter.com/cii9sVa1tY
George was clutch, leading the Clippers to a tight win over the Utah Jazz with 34 points, six assists, and five steals. He was supposed to be on a minutes restriction, but he looked great playing 31 minutes.
