The Brooklyn Nets have probably lost their last chances for a play-in spot. The Orlando Magic, on the other hand, are taking an important step towards direct playoff qualification.
By Kai Esser
Brooklyn Nets @ Indiana Pacers 111:133
First pushed, then lost: For basketball world champion Dennis Schröder, the play-in places in the NBA have become a long way off. During his Brooklyn Nets’ 111:133 win against the Indiana Pacers, the DBB captain was also involved in a scuffle with Pacers forward Jalen Smith.
In the middle of the third quarter, Schröder accidentally ripped off his opponent’s glasses when his hand landed in Smith’s face during a throw attempt. He then lost his nerve and pushed Schröder with his hands, and both players had to be separated from each other. Smith was thrown off the pitch for the rest of the game, Schröder was allowed to continue, but was substituted a short time later – and only managed seven points.
The best scorers of the game were Cam Thomas (22) and Tyrese Haliburton (27 points, 13 assists)
Due to the second defeat in a row, the Nets only have 29 wins to their name and with six games remaining they have little chance of catching up with the Atlanta Hawks (35 wins) who are ahead of them.
Portland Trail Blazers @ Orlando Magic 103:104
World champions Franz and Moritz Wagner, on the other hand, still have their sights set on direct entry into the playoffs with the Orlando Magic. The 104:103 against the Portland Trail Blazers was the second win in a row after three previous defeats.
Franz Wagner was his team’s best scorer with 20 points, while his brother Moritz had eight points. Portland, which has now suffered ten defeats in a row, missed the chance to win in the last second through Deandre Ayton. Dalano Banton was the Blazers’ top scorer with 26 points off the bench.
The Magic, currently fifth in the East, are two and a half games ahead of the Miami Heat (seventh) and just three and a half games behind the Milwaukee Bucks (second).
Boston Celtics @ Charlotte Hornets 118:104
In a game that was no longer important for the outcome of the season, the Boston Celtics prevailed against the Charlotte Hornets 118:104.
Jayson Tatum put up 25 points and ten rebounds. Tatum still has a chance of winning the MVP trophy. Sam Hauser also contributed 25 points.
Miles Bridges set the Hornets’ best score with 26 points and also contributed eleven rebounds.
Atlanta Hawks @ Chicago Bulls 113:101
In the pursuit duel in the East, the Atlanta Hawks won away from the Chicago Bulls with 113:101.
Bogdan Bogdanovic was the Hawks’ best scorer with 20 points, and the starting five provided a strong total of 78 points.
31 points from Damar DeRozan wasn’t enough. Both teams are almost certainly in the play-in tournament, but it’s still a matter of seeding and therefore home advantage.
Phoenix Suns @ New Orleans Pelicans 124:111
Thanks to an outstanding Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns won the important away game at the New Orleans Pelicans 124:11.
Booker single-handedly sank the Pelicans with 52 points and nine assists. Kevin Durant contributed 20 points.
A strong 30 points from Zion Williamson could not prevent the defeat. This puts the Pelicans, who hold the last direct playoff spot, just one win ahead of the Suns.
Memphis Grizzlies @ Detroit Pistons 110:108
There was little at stake between the Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons when it came to the playoffs. Nevertheless, it was a lively game for the Grizzlies with a score of 110:108.
The two top stars in particular were keen: Jaren Jackson Jr. scored a whopping 40 points, while Cade Cunningham countered the Pistons with 36 points.
2024-04-02 04:00:59
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