NBA – Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers dominate Durant and the Phoenix Suns, the Bucks lose Giannis Antetokounmpo

Phoenix Suns – Los Angeles Clippers : 110-115

Los Angeles leads the series 1-0

Highly anticipated, the duel between the Suns and the Clippers is already keeping its promises. The two teams engaged in a superb battle on Sunday, with a final victory for Los Angeles (110-115) at the end of the suspense. Opposed to Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard took over his vis-à-vis by snapping 38 points leading the Californians to a convincing success outside.

Phoenix had not yet lost with KD: 8 matches, 8 wins. But the Arizona franchise had also been untested. Not like last night, with an opponent as strong as Leonard to master and a roster as deep as the Clippers to contend with. The Los Angeles All-Star winger scored 12 points in the third quarter to allow his team to limit the damage after a 15-0 run by the Suns, then in control (77-68). Tyronn Lue’s players did not panic and they equalized at 81 everywhere at the start of the fourth quarter.

They then made the difference in money time. Leonard planted two award-winning baskets late and Eric Gordon scored another to hold the advantage in the final minutes. It all came down to the last 30 seconds, when Russell Westbrook converted two very valuable free throws before blocking Devin Booker’s final attempt (26 points). Clumsy (3 of 19), the leader of LA was still decisive by posting 9 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks.

Durant had 27 points for Phoenix. The Clippers have achieved a first feat but they will have to repeat this performance at least three more times to qualify … all without Paul George, already announced package for the entire series.

Milwaukee Bucks – Miami Heat : 117-130

Miami leads the series 1-0

In total control since the end of January, the Bucks, seeded number one in the East, were picked cold as soon as they entered the playoffs. Not only did they lose against the Heat (117-130) but they also lost the home advantage at the same time by letting the Floridians win on the outside. Above all, they saw Giannis Antetokounmpo return to the dressing room after playing just 11 minutes due to back pain. They now hold their breath and hope that their superstar will be able to play the next meetings.

Because in the absence of the double-MVP, Jimmy Butler becomes in fact the best player on the field. He showed it last night, scoring 35 points to lead Miami to that first upset. The All-Star fullback converted 15 of his 27 attempts and he dished out 11 assists to further enhance his performance.

Among the best defenses in the league this season, Milwaukee did not know how to stifle their opponents in the same way in this first playoff game. Miami finished with a franchise-best 59 percent shooting success and an excellent 15-of-25 three-point range (vs. Wisconsin’s 11-of-45). Bam Adebayo also weighed in by compiling 22 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. However, the Heat lost Tyler Herro to a broken hand.

Khris Middleton scored 33 points to guide his team out of Antetokounmpo but the Bucks were dominated almost throughout and only led once (4-2) early in the game. It’s a game to forget for Mike Budenholzer’s players.

Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves : 109-80

Denver leads the series 1-0

A health walk. The Nuggets, first in the West at the end of the regular season and among the favorites for the title, did not tremble for their first outing during these NBA 2023 playoffs. They largely imposed themselves against Timberwolves not at the level of the event on this match and especially probably tired by their two play-in matches played during the week as well as all the emotion that accompanied the altercation on the bench between Rudy Gobert and his teammate Kyle Anderson .

Minnesota deluded for a quarter, the first, before gradually sinking. Denver led by 11 points at the break (55-44) and Michael Malone’s players blew up the opposing defense when they returned from the locker room by lighting up three-pointers (16 award-winning baskets in 39 attempts). Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr scored 4 each and finished as their team’s top scorers with 24 and 18 points. Nikola Jokic (13 points, 14 rebounds) did not have to force his talent.

The Wolves were also damaged in attack. Anthony Edwards floated and Karl-Anthony Towns missed 10 of 15 attempts. Gobert finished with 8 points and 13 rebounds.