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Basketball: Lakers avoid early exit in NBA playoffs

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basketball
Lakers avoid early exit in NBA playoffs

Lakers star player LeBron James defends against Aaron Gordon. photo

© Mark J. Terrill/AP/dpa

The Los Angeles Lakers have won again after eleven defeats in a row against the Denver Nuggets – and extended their season in the NBA by at least one more game.

The Los Angeles Lakers prevented a quick exit against defending champion Denver Nuggets in the first playoff round of the North American professional basketball league NBA. The Lakers won game four of the series 119:108 (61:48). It was the Lakers’ first win against the Nuggets after eleven defeats in a row. Among other things, they lost all four games in the playoff semifinals last year.

LeBron James scored 30 points, Anthony Davis had 25 points and 23 rebounds for the Lakers, who, unlike the first three games of the series, did not lose their lead this time. Austin Reaves scored the last six of his 21 points in the final minute when the Nuggets had cut the gap to seven points. Nikola Jokic scored 33 points and 14 assists and rebounds for the champions.

The Orlando Magic evened their playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers thanks to their two German world champions Franz and Moritz Wagner. The team from Florida managed a 112:89 (51:60) in the fourth duel of the best-of-seven series. With 34 points, Franz Wagner was the hosts’ best player and thrower, and he also grabbed 13 rebounds. Brother Moritz scored seven points and four rebounds in around 15 minutes of playing time. A huge improvement after the break was crucial; Orlando only allowed Cleveland 29 points in the second half.

The top seeded teams in the East and West have only played three games. The Boston Celtics won 104:84 at the Miami Heat and took the lead again in their series. The Oklahoma City Thunder also won the third game of their series at the New Orleans Pelicans 106:85.