Results for: NBA Playoffs

The Oklahoma City Thunder narrowly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 94-92 in Game 1 of their first-round NBA Playoff series, but the Pelicans are determined to level the playing field in Game 2. The series shifts to New Orleans for Games 3 and 4, providing the Pelicans an opportunity to tie the best-of-seven matchup. The game will take place at 9:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 24, and will be broadcast on TNT. Fans can also stream the game through DirecTV Stream or SlingTV. The Pelicans gave a strong performance in Game 1, proving they can compete with the top seeds in the Western Conference. The upcoming game in New Orleans will be crucial for them to capitalize on home-court advantage and potentially even the series.

The New York Knicks narrowly avoided defeat in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, leading to a surge of emotions from both sides. A sequence of questionable calls in the final 47.3 seconds of the game played a pivotal role in the outcome, as the Knicks overcame a five-point deficit to secure a 104-101 victory. The Philadelphia 76ers vehemently expressed their dissatisfaction with the officiating, particularly in the wake of the NBA’s two-minute report, which revealed several missed calls that could have swayed the game in their favor. The report ignited a strong reaction from Sixers coach Nick Nurse and star player Joel Embiid, who openly criticized the referees’ performance. In contrast, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau downplayed the significance of the two-minute report, emphasizing his team’s focus on the entirety of the game. Thibodeau highlighted the challenges faced by his star point guard, Jalen Brunson, who has been a topic of discussion regarding officiating throughout the season. Meanwhile, the 76ers have taken decisive action by filing a grievance with the NBA over the officiating in Game 2, a move that is likely to be met with skepticism given the precedent for such actions. Despite the controversy, both teams will shift their attention to Game 3, scheduled for Thursday night, where the Knicks aim to extend their lead in the series, and the 76ers seek redemption and a tie in the series.

The Indiana Pacers secured a 125-108 victory over the third-seeded Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, leveling their Eastern Conference first-round series at 1-1. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with an impressive 37 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 12 points and 12 assists. Haliburton believes the Pacers have a strong chance in their home games, expressing that they’ve witnessed “regular-season crowds better than what we’ve played in the last two games.” The next two games will take place in Indiana, marking the team’s first home playoff games since the 2020 bubble postseason. The Pacers have struggled in recent years, but their high-energy team and fast-paced style of play have fans excited. The major storyline remains whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will return for the Bucks after missing the first two games due to a calf strain. Despite the Bucks’ strong roster, the Pacers showed their resilience in the regular season, winning 4-1 against Milwaukee. However, the playoffs provide a different challenge, and the Pacers will need to maintain their focus to take control of the series, starting with their home games.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as a formidable playoff contender this season, despite their youthful roster and lack of postseason experience. Led by young stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Josh Giddey, the Thunder have compiled an impressive regular season record and boast a top-five net rating in the league. Their ability to defeat top-tier opponents and perform in clutch moments, coupled with the exceptional play of Gilgeous-Alexander, makes them a legitimate threat to win the NBA championship. However, their inexperience in the playoffs and lack of seasoned veterans could potentially hinder their aspirations.

The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to impress in their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns, taking a commanding 2-0 lead with a 105-93 victory in Game 2. Despite standout performances from Jaden McDaniels (25 points), Rudy Gobert (18), and Mike Conley (18), Anthony Edwards (15 points) and Karl-Anthony Towns (12 points) had relatively quiet nights. The Timberwolves’ defense was instrumental in the win, holding the Suns’ Big Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal to a combined 18-of-45 shooting. McDaniels played a particularly aggressive role, even engaging in a brief pushing match with Booker. The Wolves now head to Phoenix with a chance to take a 3-0 lead in the series.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns, putting the defending Western Conference champions on the brink of elimination. Despite a heated exchange between Suns guard Bradley Beal and head coach Frank Vogel during Game 2, Beal has assured the media that there is no issue between them. However, the Suns continue to struggle against the Timberwolves, who have outplayed them in almost every statistical category. The series now moves to Phoenix for the next two games, but the Suns have not played significantly better at home during the regular season.

The Indiana Pacers bounced back from a Game 1 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, recording a 125-108 victory in Game 2. The Pacers have now stolen home-court advantage in the series, which is a major upset given the Bucks’ status as the defending NBA champions and the unknown surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Pacers’ success is due in part to their strong regular-season performance against the Bucks, as they went 4-1. Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton praised the Pacers’ fans, comparing them favorably to the Bucks’ fans, and is expecting a raucous crowd for Games 3 and 4 in Indiana.

The top-seeded Boston Celtics look to build a 2-0 lead over the Miami Heat in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Wednesday. Boston cruised to a Game 1 victory, but the Heat remain determined to make a series of it without injured star Jimmy Butler.

The New Orleans Pelicans and Oklahoma City Thunder will face off in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday, April 24. The Thunder won the series opener 94-92, but the Pelicans are hoping to tie the series in Oklahoma City. CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans in scoring in Game 1, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams led the Thunder. The Thunder are favored by 7.5 points in Game 2, but the Pelicans are confident they can win on the road. This is a pivotal game in the series, and both teams will be looking to take control.

Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden has showcased his latest signature shoe, the adidas Harden Vol. 8, in the team’s playoff games against the Dallas Mavericks. Harden has worn a black and white “After Hours” colorway, featuring a full-length JETBOOST cushioning system and contrasting white details. Adidas has yet to announce the release details for this “After Hours” colorway, but it is expected to drop in the coming months for $160 USD.