Celtics 99, Suns 86
Pelicans 135, Magic 100
Bucks 124, 76ers 117
Spurs 106, Pistons 91
Bulls 108, Hornets 91
Mavericks 115, Lakers 110
What went down
It’s been a season defined by stars missing time due to injuries and COVID, so it was such a breath of fresh air to get someone like the Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis back in the fray.
Pity his comeback game happened against one of the best players in the NBA in Luka Doncic.
The Lakers battled valiantly with the returning Davis, who made his return back to the lineup after missing 30 games this season. But Doncic and company spoiled his comeback with a 115-110 win.
Doncic was spectacular once again with a near-triple double of 30 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Kristaps Porzingis was also aggressive all game long, racking up 19 points and six assists before exiting the game in the third quarter due to a sprained ankle.
Magic show 🎩? pic.twitter.com/Na2pW9mqKi
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) April 23, 2021
Davis, who obviously looked rusty after a long layoff, was only able to play 16 minutes as the Lakers opted to be conservative with his playing time. He didn’t play in the second half, and only shot 2-of-10 from the field, tallying four points and four rebounds.
'It was better than expected,'' Davis said of his return to action. ''I felt really good. It's tough when you have to watch the whole second half and not be able to contribute on the floor.''
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the way for the Lakers with 29 points on six made triples, while Dennis Schroder had 25 points and 13 assists in the loss, which is the fifth in six games for LA.
The Lakers will get their chance at revenge against Dallas when the two teams battle again in a quick rematch on Sunday.
Big-time baller
In a battle of Eastern Conference powerhouses, it was the Milwaukee Bucks who overcame the Philadelphia 76ers. Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 27 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block.
What he said
“He impacts the game on both ends, but his defense was great. He picked up right where he left off. He's one of the best defensive players in the league when he's got his legs under him and his conditioning.'' — Lakers Coach Frank Vogel on the impact of Davis’ return.
Did you see that?
Who would have thought that the Bulls’ Tomas Satoransky would end up with the dunk of the day?
Tomas Satoransky greets the rim. pic.twitter.com/OVbcgJImSN
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2021
