NBANews & Updates

NBA Playoffs Live Blog

Photo of Cathy Rush Cathy Rush2 weeks ago
0 0 16 minutes read
NBA Playoffs Live Blog

🏀Tonight’s NBA Playoffs Scores🏀

Orlando Magic 95, Boston Celtics 93 (Final)

Milwaukee Bucks 117, Indiana Pacers 101 (Final)

Minnesota Timberwolves 116, Los Angeles Lakers 104 (Final)

Playoff Storylines Tonight🍿😎👌

  1. Franz Wagner (32) and Paolo Banchero (29) combined to score 61 of Orlando’s points in their 95-93 Game 3 victory against Boston. The Magic’s star duo has scored 20+ points in all three games, and they’ll have a chance to make this a 2-2 series on Sunday night. Jayson Tatum was brilliant in his return from a one-game absence for the Celtics, dropping a game-high 36 points and 9 rebounds in 39 minutes. Orlando held Boston to a season-low 11 points in the third quarter, outscoring them 23-11 in the frame, and forced 21 total turnovers on the night.
  2. The Milwaukee Bucks got masterful performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent, Jr. to earn their first win of the postseason, defeating the Indiana Pacers 117-101. Trent, Jr. had a playoff career-high 37 points and tied Ray Allen for most 3s in a playoff game in Bucks’ franchise history with 9, and tied for the 4th-most in a playoff game in NBA history. GTJ and Antetokounmpo became the first Bucks duo to score 35+ in a Playoff game. They’ll try to make it a 2-2 series at home on Sunday night in Game 4.
  3. Minnesota got a clutch performance down the stretch from Anthony Edwards to earn a 116-104 win and 2-1 series lead over the Los Angeles Lakers. Ant-Man sparked a 13-1 run over the final 4:37 of the game to seal the dub, and he finished with 29 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. The Timberwolves outscored the Lakers 56-26 in paint scoring, and forced 16 LA turnovers that resulted in 28 points for Minnesota.

🤩 Top Performers 🤩

  1. LeBron James: 38 points (13-21 FG, 5-9 3PT, 7-10 FT), 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 41 minutes in loss vs Timberwolves (MIN leads 2-1).
  2. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 37 points (14-19 FG, 9-10 FT), 12 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal in 32 minutes in win vs Pacers (IND leads 2-1).
  3. Gary Trent, Jr.: 37 points (11-16 FG, 9-12 3PT, 6-7 FT), 3 rebounds and 4 steals in 34 minutes in win vs Pacers.
  4. Jayson Tatum: 36 points (10-22 FG, 4-10 3PT, 12-12 FT), 9 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal and a block in 39 minutes in loss vs Magic (BOS leads 2-1).
  5. Franz Wagner: 32 points (11-27 FG, 3-13 3PT, 7-12 FT), 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals in 38 minutes in win vs Celtics.

Wolves take 2-1 lead🥶🐺

Anthony Edwards was brilliant in the Timberwolves’ 116-104 win over the Lakers to give Minnesota the 2-1 series lead. Ant-Man went for 29 points (12-26 FG, 5-10 3PT), 8 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals and a block, making it his 18th career playoff game with 25+ points. He finished with a game-best +13 plus-minus rating in 42 big minutes.

Jaden McDaniels responded with a team-high 30 points on 13-for-22 shooting after having just 8 points in 38 minutes in their Game 2 loss. Julius Randle added 22 points (6-13 FG, 9-10 FT) in 41 minutes, and Naz Reid had 11 points with two made 3s off the bench.

LeBron James was in takeover mode on an off-night for Luka Dončić (17 points on 6-16 FG). The King had a game-high 38 points (13-21 FG) with five made 3s, along with 10 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 41 minutes. He scored 22 in the first half for his 100th-career 20-point playoff half, and his 22 points are the most by a player 40+ years of age in any half of any playoff game since the play-by-play era (1997-98).

LeBron also recorded his 123rd-career 30-point playoff game, the most all-time. He and the Lakers will look to even the series at 2-2 in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.

Lakers-Wolves trading buckets😱

LeBron knocks down three straight 3s in the fourth quarter to give him a game-high 38 points! Luka Dončić scored four straight points to tie this game at 103 with less than five minutes to go. Dončić has 17 points, 7 boards and 8 assists while fighting through a stomach bug.

Anthony Edwards has 25 points with five made 3s, with his latest triple retaking the lead for the Wolves. Minnesota has a 106-103 edge with 3:49 left in the game, live now on ESPN.

Ant-Man detonates over Luka🐜🤯

Anthony Edwards is feeling it tonight at home with 22 points (9-20 FG, 4-8 3PT), 5 boards, 6 assists and 2 steals, highlighted by this poster on Luka Dončić. Jaden McDaniels has matched Ant with 22 points, and Julius Randle has 20 points, 3 boards and 3 assists.

LeBron James leads the Lakers with 27 points on 10-for-16 shooting, adding 7 boards, 3 assists, a steal and a block in 30 minutes. Austin Reaves has poured in 19 points with five made 3s, but LA trails Minnesota 86-84 heading to the fourth quarter in Game 3.

LeBron fuels Lakers in 1H😎👑

LeBron James is cooking tonight with 22 points on 9-for-12 shooting in 20 first-half minutes. He’s added 6 boards, 2 assists, a steal and a block to help the Lakers take a 58-54 lead at the break.

Austin Reaves is LA’s second-leading scorer with 14 points with four made 3s, and Luka Dončić put up 8 points (3-9 FG), 2 boards, 5 assists, a steal and a block in almost 20 minutes. He closed the half strong with a fadeaway triple over Anthony Edwards in the second highlight below.

Edwards has 12 points on 5-for-14 shooting with a couple 3s in 21 minutes, along with 3 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels have 14 points apiece on a combined 10-for-19 from the field. Don’t miss the second half starting shortly on ESPN.

Bucks take Game 3 at home🍿🦌

Milwaukee gets their first win of the playoffs in convincing fashion on their home court, as they take down Indiana 117-101 to make it a 2-1 series. Gary Trent, Jr. exploded for a playoff career-high 37 points (11-16 FG, 9-12 3PT), including 18 in the third quarter alone, outscoring the Pacers (16 points in 3Q) by himself. He tied Ray Allen for most 3s in a playoff game in Bucks’ franchise history with 9, and tied for the 4th-most in a playoff game in NBA history.

Giannis was a beast again with 37 points (14-19 FG, 9-10 FT), 12 rebounds, 6 assists and a steal while recording a game-best +24 plus-minus rating in 32 minutes. The Bucks outscored the Pacers 70-44 in the second half after trailing 57-47 at halftime.

Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 28 points on 12-for-19 shooting (3-4 3PT), adding 5 boards, 2 assists and 2 steals in 31 minutes. Aaron Nesmith tallied 18 points (7-13 FG, 4-8 3PT), 7 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block, and Tyrese Haliburton finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists with four made 3s.

The Pacers will get a chance to take a 3-1 lead in Game 4 on Sunday night (9:30 ET, TNT).

This Timberwolves sequence😍🐺

Minnesota has come out fast and furious in this uber-important Game 3 at home, taking a 32-26 lead after one quarter. Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels have 8 points apiece, while Anthony Edwards has 5 points and 3 dimes in 12 minutes.

LeBron James has a game-high 10 points on 5-for-7 shooting, while Austin Reaves has 9 points with 3 made 3s for the Lakers. Luka Dončić has looked a little shaky with 2 points on 1-for-6 shooting in 12 minutes, but he’s been battling a stomach illness most of the day, so keep an eye on him going forward.

The Timberwolves have a 35-33 lead with 9:13 left in the first half. Tune in live on ESPN!

Bucks dominating second half🦌😲

Milwaukee has jumped out to a double-digit lead after trailing by ten at half thanks to a red-hot Gary Trent, Jr. He dropped 18 points in the third quarter alone, outscoring the Pacers (16 points) by himself. He’s up to 37 points on 10-for-15 shooting with 9 made 3s, along with 3 rebounds and 4 steals.

Giannis has been a problem for Indy all night, as he’s got 33 points (12-16 FG, 9-10 FT) and 12 rebounds with a game-best +24 plus-minus in just 29 minutes.

Pascal Siakam has a team-high 28 points on 12-for-19 shooting, and Aaron Nesmith has tallied 18 points, 7 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals and a block. The Pacers trail the Bucks 111-88 with 4:02 remaining in Game 3.

Magic win Game 3, 95-93🤩🪄

Orlando picks up their first win of the postseason to make it a 2-1 series against Boston. Franz Wagner was spectacular in the victory, recording 32 points (11-27 FG, 3-13 3PT, 7-12 FT), 7 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals in 38 minutes. He hit back-to-back buckets in the final minutes to make it 95-91, and the Magic held onto the lead from there.

Paolo Banchero wasn’t too far behind with 29 points (10-25 FG, 2-4 3PT, 7-8 FT), 6 boards and 2 steals in 42 minutes. His squad limited the Celtics to just 11 points in the third quarter, their lowest total all season.

Jayson Tatum was elite with a game-high 36 points (10-22 FG, 4-10 3PT) while making all 12 of his free-throws. He finished with 9 boards, 3 assists, a steal and a block in 39 minutes, but he and Jaylen Brown combined for 13 of Boston’s 19 turnovers. Brown got into some foul trouble in the second half, and he finished second on the team in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-14 shooting in 34 minutes.

Game 4 is set for Sunday night at 7:00 ET in Orlando.

Count it for JT 😤

Jayson Tatum is going off with a game-high 36 points while sinking all 12 of his free-throws. Jaylen Brown has 19 points and 5 assists, but the Celtics trail the Magic 95-91 with 47.4 seconds left in the game.

Paolo Banchero (29 points) and Franz Wagner (32 points) have each scored 20+ for the third straight game. Tune in NOW on ESPN to see if Orlando can hang on for their first win of the series!

Pacers lead Bucks at half🌟🏁

Tyrese Haliburton goes unchallenged through the lane on his way for a one-handed hammer, giving the Pacers a 57-47 advantage after the first 24 minutes. Hali has 8 points, 5 boards, 8 assists and 0 turnovers in 18 minutes.

Aaron Nesmith leads Indiana with 15 points (6-9 FG) and 6 rebounds, and Pascal Siakam poured in 13 points (6-9 FG) with 3 boards in 16 minutes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks with a game-high 17 points (7-9 FG, 3-4 FT) and 8 rebounds, and Gary Trent, Jr. chipped in 13 points with two made 3s and 2 steals in his first postseason start this year. Damian Lillard has struggled to score with just 2 points on 1-for-8 shooting in 17 minutes.

🌴Lakers vs Timberwolves🐺Game 3 matchup

Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves will try for a 2-1 series lead tonight when they welcome the Lakers to town. Ant is averaging 23.5 ppg but hasn’t quite found his shot yet, as he’s shooting just 40.9% from the field and 35.3% from three (39.5 3P% in regular season). He handed out 9 assists in their Game 1 win, but he failed to register one in Game 2.

Julius Randle dropped a team-high 27 points and 6 assists in 39 minutes on Tuesday, but aside from Ant’s 25 (10-22 FG), no other Minnesota player reached double figures in scoring.

Luka Dončić has been stellar and is second in scoring during the playoffs (34.0 ppg), and he’ll look to give LA a huge win in a crucial Game 3 on the road. LeBron James was stellar in 40 minutes his last time out, tallying 21 points (8-19 FG), 11 rebounds, 7 assists, a steal and a block. The Lakers are averaging just 94.5 ppg through two outings, so they’ll work to get their offense on track in hopes of securing a 2-1 lead.

Starters for Los Angeles

Starters for Minnesota

Magic storm back ⛈️👀

Wendell Carter, Jr. and the Magic stormed out of the gates in the third quarter, using a 16-3 run in the first 4:48 to take a 65-62 lead after being down ten at halftime. Franz Wagner is up to 22 points and 7 assists, and Paolo Banchero is right behind him with 19 points, 3 boards and 2 steals.

Jayson Tatum has a game-high 27 points on 8-for-15 shooting, and Jaylen Brown and Derrick White have each chipped in 12 points for the Celtics. Boston now trails Orlando 71-68 with 2:57 left in the third.

Check out the rest of the action on ESPN to see who will take this decisive Game 3.

Bucks-Pacers tied after one🍿

Tyrese Haliburton knocks down the triple from way behind the arc, giving him 3 points with 3 boards, 3 assists and a block in 10 minutes of action. The Wisconsin-native is looking to give the Pacers a commanding 3-0 lead in the series over the Bucks.

Bennedict Mathurin leads Indiana with 7 points in 5 minutes off the bench, as the Bucks and Pacers were knotted at 26 after the first quarter. It’s been all Giannis Antetokounmpo for Milwaukee, as he’s got a game-high 13 points (5-6 FG), 4 boards and 2 assists in only 8 minutes.

These two Central Division rivals are going back-and-forth tonight, as we’ve seen six ties and eight lead changes already. The Pacers hold a slim 29-28 lead with 10:27 left before halftime.

Tatum drops 21 in 1H🔥🔥

Jayson Tatum was on fire in the first half, dropping 21 points on 7-for-12 shooting (3-7 3PT, 4-4 FT), 3 rebounds, an assist and a steal in almost 20 minutes. He’s accounted for 4 of Boston’s 11 turnovers through the first two quarters. They were second in the NBA in turnovers with 11.9 per game during the regular season, but they still hold a solid 59-49 lead at the break.

Jaylen Brown added 11 points (4-8 FG), 4 rebounds, an assist and a steal, while Derrick White has tallied 10 points with two 3s, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and a game-best +17 plus-minus rating in almost 19 minutes.

Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero have 15 points apiece and are both 6-for-12 from the field. Wagner also has 4 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal. Anthony Black chipped in 9 points on 3-for-6 shooting and 2 steals off the bench, but he and Banchero each have 3 fouls, so they’ll have to be careful in the second half.

Giannis coast-to-coast🏁💪

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a one-man wrecking crew for Milwaukee. He set the tone early for his squad, and he’s got 9 points on 4-for-4 shooting with 3 boards and 2 assists. Gary Trent, Jr. has been a great addition to the Bucks’ starting lineup tonight with 8 points on 3-for-4 shooting and one made 3.

All five Pacers starters have scored led by Aaron Nesmith (5), but they trail the Bucks 17-16 with under six minutes to go in the opening quarter. Watch it live on NBA TV and ESPNU!

Magic start hot at home😤

Orlando’s crowd was loving every minute of this emphatic slam from Anthony Black with the first quarter winding down. Black has popped for 7 quick points (3-5 FG) and 2 steals in less than 5 minutes off the bench. Paolo Banchero (13) and Franz Wagner (9) combined for 22 of the Magic’s 31 points.

Jayson Tatum doesn’t seem bothered by his wrist, as he’s already got 13 points on 4-for-7 shooting in 12 minutes to lead the Celtics. Orlando held a 31-27 lead after one, and they’ve pushed it to 33-27 with 10:45 remaining in the first half. Tune in live on ESPN for all the action!

🦌Bucks vs Pacers🏁Game 3 matchup

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a monster for Milwaukee, averaging 35.0 points, 15.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 65.1% from the field. The Bucks are still down 2-0 to the Pacers, but they’ll get their first taste of home court tonight (8 ET on ESPNU and NBA TV) as they look to get back into the series.

Damian Lillard scored 14 points (4-13 FG) and dished out 7 assists in 37 minutes in his first game since March 18. He struggled against Indiana in four games during the regular season, going for 18.3 points and 9.3 assists while shooting 35.5% overall. Game 3 will give Dame a chance to get right. Bobby Portis was awesome in Game 2 after a 4-point, 8-rebound showing in Game 1. He erupted for 28 points and 12 boards in 32 minutes off the bench, and another similar performance could be a deciding factor in tonight’s game.

Pascal Siakam has been a force for Indiana with 24.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.0 steals on shooting splits of 58.1% FG / 50.0% 3P / 100.0% FT in 33.6 minutes per game. He hit a clutch 3 when Milwaukee got to within two points in the fourth quarter on Tuesday, and the Pacers took control from there. Tyrese Haliburton had 21 points and 12 assists in the victory, and he’ll continue to be the driving force for Indiana’s offense.

Bucks’ starters

Doc Rivers will go with Gary Trent, Jr. over Taurean Prince in the starting lineup tonight.

Pacers’ starters

🍀Celtics vs Magic🔮Game 3 matchup

Boston’s star forward Jayson Tatum is available tonight after missing Wednesday’s Game 2 win with a bone bruise in his right wrist. Jaylen Brown took over in his absence, dropping 36 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to secure the 2-0 series lead for the Celtics.

Unfortunately for the C’s, they still won’t be at full strength. Jrue Holiday, who’s spent time effectively guarding Paolo Banchero for stretches, is out for tonight’s contest because of a right hamstring strain. Al Horford will get his second straight start while Kia Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard remains as a reserve.

Banchero and Franz Wagner have combined to score 58 points per game for Orlando, and they’ve scored or assisted on 83% of the Magic’s points in the First Round. The supporting cast around their dynamic young forwards have to produce more if they want to take a game on home court, or they’ll risk falling into an 0-3 hole against the defending champs.

Boston’s starting lineup

Magic’s starting lineup

Friday’s Playoff Storylines 👉📝

  1. Boston will almost be at full strength tonight when they visit the Magic in Orlando for Game 3. Superstar Jayson Tatum makes his return to the lineup after sitting out Wednesday’s 109-100 win because of a bone bruise in his right wrist, but the Celtics will be without their top perimeter defender in Jrue Holiday thanks to a right hamstring strain. Jaylen Brown was listed as questionable (right knee) but will be ready to go as his squad looks to take a commanding 3-0 series lead. The Magic have a chance to get one back on home court, and they’ll continue to rely on young stars Paolo Banchero (34.0 ppg in Playoffs – 3rd) and Franz Wagner (24.0 ppg – 14th).
  2. The Pacers take on the Bucks in Milwaukee for Game 3 of their series, with Indiana taking aim at a 3-0 lead of their own. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been unbelievable in both games so far, putting up an NBA Playoffs-best 35 points while shooting 65.1 percent from the field and 15 rebounds. Damian Lillard scored 14 points (4-13 FG) and played 37 minutes in Game 2 for his first game action in over a month. The Bucks need more offensive support if they hope to get their first win of the series against a talented, deep Pacers squad.
  3. Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves will try for a 2-1 series lead when they battle the Lakers in the first of two games at the Target Center in Minnesota. Ant is averaging 23.5 ppg but hasn’t quite found his shot yet, as he’s shooting just 40.9% from the field and 35.3% from three (39.5% 3P in regular season). Luka Dončić has been stellar and is second in scoring during the playoffs (34.0 ppg), and he’ll look to give LA a huge win in a crucial Game 3.

Photo of Cathy Rush Cathy Rush2 weeks ago
0 0 16 minutes read
Photo of Cathy Rush

Cathy Rush

Related Articles

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2025 Live Update: Concern for fans around MS Dhoni ahead of KKR vs.K. Clash

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2025 Live Update: Concern for fans around MS Dhoni ahead of KKR vs.K. Clash

6 days ago
Gill to play against Gill? GT officer updates injury

Gill to play against Gill? GT officer updates injury

2 weeks ago
Matthew Lugo is likely to appear for a long time because angels host

Matthew Lugo is likely to appear for a long time because angels host

3 days ago
Vaibhav Suryavanshi sets benchmark for 14 -year -old children, IPL 2025 gives RR Hope for playoff qualification

Vaibhav Suryavanshi sets benchmark for 14 -year -old children, IPL 2025 gives RR Hope for playoff qualification

2 weeks ago

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button