LeBron James had to admit defeat to the Lakers. © APA / MATTHEW STOCKMAN
The reigning champion Denver Nuggets started the playoffs of the North American NBA basketball league with a victory.
21. April 2024
Da:dpa
On Saturday (local time), the team led by star player Nikola Jokic beat the Los Angeles Lakers 114:103. The Lakers only qualified for the play-offs in the play-in tournament and will enter the “best-of-seven” series as underdogs against the main round runner-up. Four victories are required to advance.
Led by superstar LeBron James, the Lakers led 60:57 at halftime. After 19 points in the first half, James could only add eight points after halftime. The Nuggets took the decisive lead with a 13-0 run late in the third quarter.
“I thought we played pretty well. But against Denver there’s not much room for error, especially at home, they are the defending champions,” James said of the fourth opening play-off defeat of his career. “We know how difficult this opponent is and how great they are “. Jokic stood out for the Nuggets with 32 points, twelve rebounds and seven assists.
The New York Knicks won their first playoff duel against the Philadelphia 76ers 111:104. The Knicks hit three 3-pointers in the final two minutes. Josh Hart scored two and had 22 points and 13 rebounds.
The Orlando Magic, however, suffered a clear defeat on the road for 83:97 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Magic make just 32.7% of their shots from the field and the visitors never take the lead. The Minnesota Timberwolves had no problems with the Phoenix Suns and won 120:95 after losing all three duels with the Suns in the main round. Anthony Edwards scored 18 of his 33 points in the third quarter as the Timberwolves pulled away.
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