basketball
NBA playoffs: Mavericks get win two against the Clippers
Kyrie Irving (m) and the Dallas Mavericks lead in the first round series of the NBA playoffs. photo
© Tony Gutierrez/AP/dpa
The Dallas Mavericks around basketball superstar Luka Doncic have taken the lead in the playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Timberwolves are about to move into the second round.
The Dallas Mavericks are in the first round series NBA playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers with a 2-1 lead after wins. The Texans won their first home game in the best of seven series 101:90.
The fourth duel will take place again in Dallas. Luka Doncic narrowly missed a triple-double with 22 points, ten rebounds and nine assists, while German basketball player Maxi Kleber had three points and three assists.
In a heated game, five technical fouls and one unsportsmanlike foul were handed out; Russell Westbrook of the Clippers and PJ Washington of the Mavericks were sent off midway through the fourth quarter after shoving and a pack formation. At this point, the Mavericks were already in the lead by 16 points, and after a dominant second quarter (36:18), the hosts had pulled away.
Timberwolves advance to the next round
Tyrese Haliburton led the Indiana Pacers to a 121-118 home overtime win over the Milwaukee Bucks, giving the Pacers a 2-1 series lead. Haliburton hit his shot despite a foul with 1.6 seconds left in the game when the score was tied and converted the bonus free throw for the final score. He recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 16 assists and ten rebounds. The Bucks, who were once again without their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, were led by Khris Middleton. The 32-year-old scored 42 points and saved his team into overtime with a three-pointer.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are about to move into the second round of the playoffs. The third in the main round also won the third game against the Phoenix Suns and after the 126:109 away win they only need one win to advance. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 36 points. The team from Minneapolis would win a playoff series for the first time since 2004.