NBA: Kings and Lakers win their opening duels

Title contender Denver Nuggets won the first duel against Minnesota in the NBA playoffs. Also the Los Angeles Lakers with Dennis Schröder got off to a successful start.

Title candidate Denver Nuggets clearly won the first duel in the NBA playoffs against Minnesota. The Los Angeles Lakers with Dennis Schröder also made a successful start to the NBA plyoffs. The Clippers won game one against the Suns.

Denver, the best team in the Western Conference after the regular season, clearly prevailed 109:80 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday evening (April 16, 2023, local time) and took the lead in the best-of-seven series.

Jamal Murray was the best player with 24 points for the Nuggets, who are making another attempt at their long-awaited first NBA title this year. MVP candidate Nikola Jokic had 13 points and 14 rebounds.

Clippers win game one against Suns

In the expected tight playoff series between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns, the Clippers gained an advantage at the start. Led by Kawhi Leonard with 38 points, the Clippers won 115-110 away from the Suns with stars Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and Devin Booker. It was Durant’s first loss in the Suns jersey since his February transfer.

In addition to Leonard, the often criticized Russell Westbrook was conspicuous for the Clippers. Although he only sunk three of his 19 throws, he hit two important free throws and played a key role in his team’s important away win with defensive actions. “Whatever it takes to win, I’ll do it,” said veteran Westbrook.

Lakers with Schröder start with playoff win

The Los Angeles Lakers with German playmaker Dennis Schröder also have their first playoff duel against the Memphis Grizzlies won with 128:112.

For a long time, however, the Grizzlies made life extremely difficult for the Lakers around superstar LeBron James and were ahead 65:59 at halftime. Only a clear increase from the third quarter finally put LA on the road to victory.

The best pitcher for the Lakers was unexpectedly not one of the stars, but the Japanese Rui Hachimura with 29 points. Austin Reaves, who may play for the German national basketball team in the future, also impressed with 23 points in the first playoff game of his career.

Sorge um Memphis-Star Morant

Not only did the Grizzlies lose their first home game, but they also have their best player, Ja Morant, to worry about. He fell on his wrist in the final quarter and was not used after that, despite being taped. Morant finished the game with 18 points, the best pitcher for the Grizzlies was Jaren Jackson Jr. with 31 points.

Schröder got seven points. He was used a little less than usual because he committed three fouls early in the first half. Game two of the series is again in Memphis on Thursday night in Germany.

Philadelphia with a sovereign performance

Previously were also the favorites Philadelphia 76ers with a win in the playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets started. In the first playoff duel NBAseason, the 76ers went 121-101 to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

In a sold-out arena with 20,913 spectators, the 76ers never fell behind and continuously increased their lead over the entire duration of the game. James Harden sank seven three-pointers to finish the game with 23 points and 13 assists.

26 points from MVP nominee Embiid

Mikal Bridges’ 30 points for the Nets were not enough. Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid, previously named one of three candidates for election, alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic MVP nominated, got 26 points. The 76ers, seeded number three in the east, have home advantage again in game two on Monday night.

In the end, they didn’t have any trouble either Boston Celtics. They were 112-99 against them Atlanta Hawks even in the meantime with 32 points in front and demonstrated their strength.

Kings with first playoff game in 16 years

defending champion Golden State Warriors started the playoffs with a loss. In an exciting game against the Sacramento Kings there was a 123:126.

The Kings had previously had to wait 16 years for an NBA playoff game. De’Aaron Fox had 38 points in the first playoff game of his career. Only Luka Doncic was better on his debut with the Dallas Mavericks (42).

For the Warriors, superstar Stephen Curry’s 30 points weren’t enough. The Kings now lead 1-0 in the best-of-seven series. A team needs four wins to advance to the second round of the playoffs.

Hartenstein WINS with New York Knicks

Previously they had New York Knicks to the German Isaiah Hartenstein in their series against the Cleveland Cavaliers won the opening 101:97. The Knicks controlled the game for long stretches and led by up to twelve points before the hosts took the lead themselves with 93:92. However, the Knicks turned the tide in the last two minutes of the game and now have an advantage in the series thanks to the away win. Hartenstein hit two of his three throws from the game and scored eight points. Donovan Mitchell had the best haul with 38 points for the Cavaliers.