Yesterday, we saw six teams go head-to-head in the playoffs to move a step closer to the next round.
Indiana Pacers 121 Milwaukee Bucks 118
Tyrese Haliburton’s late bucket in overtime secured victory for the Pacers despite Khris Middleton’s impressive 42-point game.
The Pacers dominated the opening quarter with Obi Toppin and Myles Turner picking up some crucial points in the paint.
After 12 minutes, Indiana led the game with an astounding score of 39-22 thanks to their undeniably clinical attack which they have demonstrated throughout the season.
Middleton set the tone in the second quarter with a close-range shot to motivate his side and close the massive gap.
Despite this, the away team entered the break twelve points down on their opposition and had a lot to work on in the second half.
In the third quarter, Haliburton picked up his tenth assist of the night with a pass to Andrew Nembhard who calmly scored from mid-range.
Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez pulled some points back for the Bucks and grew into the game to reduce the deficit.
A combined effort from Middleton and Lillard, who put the Bucks ahead for the first time with a three-point shot, made the contest an interesting watch heading into the final few minutes.
Middleton had a massive impact once again with a late three-point shot from deep to level the score.
In overtime, both teams were desperate to take the lead but a floater from Haliburton secured the win for the Pacers.
This result means that Indiana are 2-1 up in the series and will look to carry this momentum into the next game.
Dallas Mavericks 101 Los Angeles Clippers 90
Luka Doncic achieved a near triple-double in the Mavericks victory to push ahead in this closely fought series.
The Clippers started strong in the first quarter with James Harden and Paul George scoring from deep.
Due to this, they were ahead by five points in the opening twelve minutes to the disappointment of the home fans.
Josh Green’s open slam brought life back into the Mavericks and clawed back the deficit early in the second quarter.
After another three-point shot by Harden, Doncic stepped up by scoring from beyond the arc and brilliant attacking play from Dereck Lively extended Dallas’ lead.
At the start of the second half, the Mavericks dominated which created the largest lead of the night at 63-45 in favour of the home team.
Kawhi Leonard and George tried to move the Clippers closer to Dallas but only managed to pull back two points from the deficit in the third quarter.
In the final twelve minutes, Kyrie Irving solidified the victory for the home team, sinking multiple shots from beyond the arc.
This result means that the Mavericks have taken a 2-1 lead in the series with their second win on the bounce.
Phoenix Suns 109 Minnesota Timberwolves 126
Anthony Edwards flourished against the Phoenix Suns with 36 points and nine rebounds to take a comfortable lead in the series.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ shot from distance in the opening four minutes put the visitors ahead and silenced the home supporters.
However, Eric Gordon scored two three-pointers from beyond the arc to close the gap between both teams.
In the second quarter, Edwards and Kevin Durant went toe-to-toe dishing out assists for their teammates and scoring crucial points.
The Timberwolves were ahead at halftime with the score at 59-53 thanks to their persistence in attack.
Devin Booker offered hope for the Suns in the third quarter after stealing the ball calmly scoring an uncontested lay-up.
This was not enough to change momentum as Rudy Gobert slammed the ball into the basket a few minutes later to maintain Minnesota’s dominant streak.
With nine minutes remaining, Edwards drove past Durant to the basket, scoring a ferocious dunk to dampen the Suns’ spirits.
Chris Finch’s team looked comfortable in the closing moments to win three games in the series which is the first in the history of the franchise.
This result means that the Timberwolves only need to win one more game in their next three to go into the next round of the tournament.
Upcoming games
Tonight we will see eight teams go head-to-head in another action-packed evening full of exciting matchups.
The Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers will play in their fourth game after the Magic’s previous victory which they will hope to replicate again.
The New Orleans Pelicans are yet to get a victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder but have a chance to close the gap on home soil.
After the Miami Heat’s surprising victory, their series against the Boston Celtics is tied but the away team are expected to take this one.
The Denver Nuggets have dominated the Los Angeles Lakers so far with a 3-0 lead and could knock LeBron James’ side out tonight with another win.