basketball
NBA Playoffs: Grizzlies equalize series against Lakers
Xavier Tillman (l) from the Memphis Grizzlies scored 22 points against the Los Angeles Lakers. photo
© Brandon Dill/AP/dpa
The Memphis Grizzlies hit back in the NBA playoffs against the LA Lakers around superstar LeBron James. Two other favorites also celebrate victories.
After the surprise success at the start of the playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers in the North American basketball professional league NBA had to accept the equalizer. The team around superstar LeBron James lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in the second game of the best-of-seven series with 93:103 and thus conceded the 1:1.
The Grizzlies were undeterred by the short-term absence of young star Ja Morant and started strong. Center Xavier Tillman in particular was convincing with 22 points and hit all of his first six shots in the first quarter. James scored 28 points and 12 rebounds for the Lakers, but Anthony Davis was unable to build on his strong first game. Dennis Schröder remained without points after 15 minutes of action.
Wins for Bucks and Nuggets
Meanwhile, even without superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo with a back injury, the Milwaukee Bucks equalized the series, beating the Miami Heat 138-122. The Bucks made a preliminary decision at halftime with a score of 81:55 and equalized the three-point record in a playoff game. With Brook Lopez (25 points), Jrue Holiday (24) and Pat Connaughton three players reached the 20 point mark. Jimmy Butler was the most successful for Miami (25).
The Denver Nuggets have already taken a 2-0 lead in the series. The team around MVP candidate Nikola Jokic won against the Minnesota Timberwolves with 122:113. In addition to Jokic, who just missed his next triple double with 27 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, Jamal Murray towered over with 40 points. Ultimately, the strong performance of Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards was not enough against the offensive power of the Nuggets.