Yesterday we saw a series tied, one sweep prevented as another draws closer in an action packed night of playoff basketball.

An excellent second half showing allowed Orlando to tie up their series with Cleveland in a convincing victory in Florida.

The Cavs held the edge at the close of the opening quarter, with the score reading 23-22.

The visitors continued to lead as the two sides headed to the locker rooms for half time, this time they held a nine point advantage.

The Magic came alive in the third, holding their opponents to just 10 points and scoring 37 themselves.

They entered the final frame up by 18 points and Orlando would retain their advantage to claim a huge home victory.

Franz Wagner led the way with 34 points, 13 rebounds and four assists in a dominant showing from the German.

Jarrett Allen's near double double wasn't enough to keep Cleveland's lead in the series, he dropped 21 points and nine rebounds.

Jarrett Allen defending against <strong><a  data-cke-saved-href='https://www.vavel.com/en-us/nba/2024/03/26/1177491-preview-golden-state-warriors-vs-orlando-magic-the-fight-for-a-place-in-the-play-in-continues.html' href='https://www.vavel.com/en-us/nba/2024/03/26/1177491-preview-golden-state-warriors-vs-orlando-magic-the-fight-for-a-place-in-the-play-in-continues.html'>Franz Wagner</a></strong> (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
Jarrett Allen defending against Franz Wagner (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)

OKC continue to get it done over New Orleans, dominating the Pelicans in their own arena to go one step closer to progressing.

The Thunder never looked like losing as they held the lead at the close of all four quarters as they look as though they might complete the sweep.

Josh Giddey rose to the occasion and produced 21 points to go with eight rebounds and six assists in his teams blowout win.

Thunder star guard and MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to show his capabilities as he contributed 24 points, eight assists, five rebounds and four steals.

CJ McCollum was the standout performer for the Pelicans dropping 16 points, seven assists and five rebounds.

Brandon Ingram also added 19 points and four rebounds on a night to forget for New Orleans.

<strong><a  data-cke-saved-href='https://www.vavel.com/en-us/nba/2024/04/01/1178175-whos-going-to-be-the-2023-24-mvp.html' href='https://www.vavel.com/en-us/nba/2024/04/01/1178175-whos-going-to-be-the-2023-24-mvp.html'>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a></strong> shoots the ball over Herbet Jones (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoots the ball over Herbet Jones (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Boston regain the series lead over Miami as they won by a convincing 20 points in game three.

It was a cagey first quarter and the Heat only managed to amount 12 points allowing the Celtics to hold a nine point lead.

While Miami improved offensively, Boston exploded for 42 in the second, heading into half time with the score reading 63-39.

The Celtics saw it through in the second half thanks to a solid team effort from the starters.

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum both enjoyed 22 point showing while the latter added 11 rebounds for a double double.

Kristaps Porzingis added 18 points and Derrick White 16 in a well balanced performance from Boston.

Bam Adebayo produced a near double double for Miami, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine boards on the night.

<strong><a  data-cke-saved-href='https://www.vavel.com/en-us/nba/2024/03/13/1175903-nba-race-for-most-valuable-player.html' href='https://www.vavel.com/en-us/nba/2024/03/13/1175903-nba-race-for-most-valuable-player.html'>Jayson Tatum</a></strong> and Caleb Martin battle for the ball (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
Jayson Tatum and Caleb Martin battle for the ball (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
  • Denver Nuggets 108 - 119 Los Angeles Lakers

LA forced a game five and prevented embarrassment in a vital win over the reigning champions.

The Lakers' win ended an 11 game streak of losses against Denver and while this series is all but over, the win meant something to LeBron and co.

The hosts led 61-48 at half time and looked confident despite the 3-0 deficit in the series.

The penultimate quarter was a tight one with Denver only just outscoring LA but the Lakers still held an 11 point advantage.

Another competitive quarter ensued in the fourth but the Lakers did enough to book a spot in game five.

Anthony Davis produced a monster stat line of 25 points, 23 rebounds and six assists while LeBron James provided 30 points of his own.

Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell both showed out with 21 points apiece in the LA's home victory.

Despite the loss Nikola Jokic produced a trademark triple double with 33 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists.

LeBron James steals the ball from <strong><a  data-cke-saved-href='https://www.vavel.com/en-us/nba/2024/03/31/1178129-nikola-jokic-produces-triple-double-as-denver-blowout-cleveland-to-clinch-a-play-off-spot.html' href='https://www.vavel.com/en-us/nba/2024/03/31/1178129-nikola-jokic-produces-triple-double-as-denver-blowout-cleveland-to-clinch-a-play-off-spot.html'>Nikola Jokic</a></strong> (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LeBron James steals the ball from Nikola Jokic (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
  • Next Up

Tonight will see four games of playoffs action with New York and Philadelphia facing off with the Knicks holding a 2-1 lead in the series.

The Mavericks will be hoping to extend their lead over the Clippers as they also lead 2-1.

Milwaukee look to tie their series with Indiana while Minnesota have the chance to sweep Phoenix.