basketball
NBA: Schroeder and Lakers win playoff start
Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schröder in action against Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard (r). photo
© Brandon Dill/AP/dpa
All teams have had their first game in the NBA playoffs. The LA Lakers triumph. The other top teams are struggling.
National team captain Dennis Schröder has a good feeling after the Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies.
LeBron James and Anthony Davies would always score anyway, “if we have two or three people who play well plus the two superstars, then we’re on the right track,” said the 29-year-old basketball player from Braunschweig Press agency after the 128:112. The Lakers lead 1-0 in the best-of-seven series and need three more wins to advance to the second round.
“This is a very young team that plays every game very hard and is self-confident. Yes, Morant, Jaren Jackson and (Desmond) Bane are the three heads of the snake, I would say,” said Schröder. “After the first game you can always see and make a game plan of how you want to play against them. I think we have a pretty good picture there.”
Schröder had three fouls early in the first game against the Grizzlies and only 20 minutes of play – less than usual. “The three fouls really annoyed me a bit. We won, that’s the most important thing for me. Many others had the chance and also played very, very well. Of course I’m happy.” Schröder ended the game with seven points, four assists and a rebound.
Clippers win playoffs over Suns
In the expected tight playoff series between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns, the Clippers gained an advantage at the start. Led by Kawhi Leonard with 38 points, the team in Phoenix clinched a 115-110 against the team of stars Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and Devin Booker. It was Durant’s first loss in the Suns jersey since his February transfer.
In addition to Leonard, the often criticized Russell Westbrook was conspicuous for the Clippers. Although he only hit three of his 19 throws, he made two important free throws and played a key role in his team’s important away win with defensive actions. “Whatever it takes to win, I’ll do it,” Westbrook said.
A team needs four wins to advance to the second round. The higher-seeded team starts the NBA playoffs with two home games, followed by two away games. If games are also necessary, the teams take turns with home law.
Miami surprises against Milwaukee
The Miami Heat also have an advantage, surprisingly winning 130-117 against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks were the best team in the main round, but had to do without Giannis Antetokounmpo early on and were behind for almost the entire encounter. The Greek fell hard on his back in the first quarter and was off the floor from the second quarter. The Heat also had to cope with an injury: Tyler Herro broke his right hand before the break.
Confident Nuggets win
Only the Denver Nuggets lived up to their role as favorites at the start of their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves and recorded a clear 109:80 victory. The best team in the Western Conference steadily increased their lead after the break and was at times 30 points ahead. The Timberwolves only secured their playoff ticket on Friday with a play-in win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.