Author: Monojit Mandal
The competition is heating up in the NBA playoffs, with the New York Knicks and Miami Heat competing in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, while the Lakers and Warriors meet in the Western Conference semi-finals.
Knicks beat Heat 111-105 (31-29, 20-25, 25-23, 35-28)
The New York Knicks beat the Miami Heat 111-105 in a thrilling NBA playoff game to tie the Eastern Conference semi-finals. Brunson led the Knicks to victory with 30 points after playing with pain in his right ankle in the first half. Despite the problem, Brunson played a key role in the Knicks’ comeback, leading them to victory. Julius Randle returned from injury to score 25 points, as well as grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing out 8 assists. RJ Barrett contributed 24 points, while Josh Hart scored 14 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists.
Butler, the Heat’s best player, sat out after injuring his ankle in the first game. Despite the injury, Caleb Martin played well, scoring 22 points in Butler’s absence. It wasn’t enough, however, to overcome the Knicks’ game.
Given the start of the series opener, the Knicks’ win against the Heat was especially important. After losing the first game, the Knicks knew they had to recover and play better, which they did. The Knicks’ offense looked much more fluid and effective with Brunson leading the charge.
Defensively, the Knicks also improved, restricting the Heat to 105 points after allowing 108 in the previous game. They were more aggressive in contesting shots and marking Miami’s players, also taking advantage of Miami’s many turnovers, executing quick and effective transition.
Warriors 112 – Lakers 117 (31-29, 33-36, 24-31, 24-21)
Meanwhile, in the Western Conference playoff, the Lakers beat the Warriors 117-112 in a tight game to take a 1-0 lead. Both teams had a tough road to the playoffs, with the Warriors winning a hard-fought seven-game series against the Sacramento Kings in the first round, while the Lakers qualified in the play-in round.
The Warriors took a two-point lead in the first quarter and led the game the rest of the way. The Lakers, on the other hand, recovered and took a one-point lead into halftime. They increased their lead in the third quarter to 7 points and held on for the win.
Anthony Davis showed very good statistics, scoring 30 points and grabbing 23 rebounds. His partner – LeBron James, brought the Lakers 22 points and 11 rebounds. For the Goldens, Curry scored 27 points and Thomson 25 points.