Canadians Luguentz Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder advanced to the second round of the NBA playoffs with a 97-89 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday in Louisiana.
The Thunder thus achieved the second sweep this year and reached the second round for the first time in eight years.
With an average of more than 115 points per game during the season, the Pelicans have never surpassed the 92-point mark in four duels against their Western rivals.
Dort was an important player in the turning point of the meeting. Following a shot blocked by Brandon Ingram, the Montrealer recovered the ball and, a few seconds later, a 3-point shot from Jalen Williams allowed his team to increase the lead over the favorites to 11 points. the crowd with just over 3 minutes left.
Dort finished with 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Brilliant in defense, he made life difficult for Ingram throughout the series. The latter concluded with 2 successful shots in 14 attempts, while he was to be one of the leading figures in a team deprived of its star, Zion Williamson, injured in his left hamstring.
Hamilton’s Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder in points (24), rebounds (10) and blocked shots (2). He was also his team’s top scorer during the four duels against the Pelicans.
In the second round, Oklahoma City will face the winner of the series between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks, currently tied 2-2.
James and the Lakers eliminated
LeBron James’ 30-point performance was insufficient for the Los Angeles Lakers, who suffered elimination at the end of a fifth game won 108-106 by the Denver Nuggets, defending champions.
It was Ontarian Jamal Murray who stole the show from the best point scorer in NBA history. Murray had 32 points and 7 assists and made the decisive basket with 3.6 seconds remaining when the score was 106-106. His teammate Nikola Jokic also stood out with 25 points, 20 rebounds and 9 assists.
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LeBron James suffered only his second first-round elimination in 17 appearances in the NBA playoffs.
Photo : Getty Images / Matthew Stockman
In the second round, the Nuggets will face the Minnesota Timberwolves, who lost the Phoenix Suns in four games.
This is only the second entry elimination for James in 17 playoff appearances since the start of his career. The Lakers star has an option on his contract allowing him to choose whether he remains with the team next season or tests the free agent market. This summer, he will represent the United States at the Paris Olympics.
With information from the Associated Press
2024-04-30 16:06:51
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