The first conference semi-final is known. It will pit the Minnesota Timberwolves, winners against Phoenix yesterday, against the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokić’s teammates won painfully against the Lakers (108-106). Neck and neck until the end of the 4th quarter, the Nuggets relied on Jamas Murray (30 points – 3 rebounds – 7 assists) to score the winning basket 3”6 from the final buzzer. With this fourth defeat, LeBron James’ Lakers (30 points – 9 rebounds – 11 assists) are eliminated, raising the question of the future of the NBA’s top scorer.
No suspense, however, on the floor of the Miami Heat. Overtaken in all sectors, the Florida players lost at home 88-102 with a maximum difference of 28 points (47-75). Derrick White is largely responsible for this demonstration with 38 points and 4 rebounds. The Celtics currently lead 3-1
Mercilessly, the Thunders crushed the Pelicans once again. The players from Oklahoma, winner of the regular season of the Western Conference, held their place and scored a 4th consecutive victory (4-0) synonymous with qualification for the semi-final. Trailing by one point at the start of the 4th quarter, the Thunders of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (24 points – 10 rebounds) made the difference in the final minutes to win (89-97).