NBA Playoffs Roundup: Clippers, Bucks, and Thunder Take Game 1 Victories

2024-04-22 05:14:00

Los Angeles Clippers – Dallas Mavericks: 109-97

Los Angeles leads the series 1-0

A late-season winning machine with a flamboyant offense and an iron-clad defense, Dallas showed its worst side during the first half of its playoff campaign. A caricature of the Mavericks game, without any movement, with all the balls played in turn by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. On the opposite side, the Clippers were relentless and they took advantage of the slightest enemy mistake to make an impact by taking a 26-point halftime lead (56-30)! The Californians held on so hard to win this first game without forcing themselves without even counting on Kawhi Leonard (knee).

James Harden kept the house in the absence of the superstar. The former MVP was in good shape and, above all, full of confidence. Sometimes a passer, sometimes a finisher, he finished with 28 points and 8 caviars. A bunch of these found the hands of Ivica Zubac, dominating in the paint. The Croatian pivot had a size and power advantage over his counterparts, and he used it to score 20 points in addition to his 15 rebounds. Paul George added 22 points. Five Los Angeles players scored 10 or more points.

The scoring was much worse distributed on the Mavs side. Doncic and Irving wanted to play the heroes and the others, so valuable during the great end of the season for the Texan franchise, especially as the two stars challenged the defense in one-on-one possession following possession. 33 points (11 of 26) for Doncic, 31 for Irving. With adjustments already to be found for Jason Kidd.

Milwaukee Bucks – Indiana Pacers: 109-94

Milwaukee leads the series 1-0

The Bucks are preparing to play the entire first round without Giannis Antetokounmpo. But they still have a superstar to carry them. Damian Lillard donned his superhero tunic to launch his new franchise’s playoff campaign. His 35 points in the first half allowed the Bucks to take a 28-point lead when they returned to the locker room (69-42). He put up almost as many points as one of the best offenses in the league alone.

In addition to the great performance of Lillard, who did not score in the second period, Doc Rivers’ players made a strong impression in defense. They managed to stifle a team that was usually very productive. Tyrese Haliburton was limited to 9 points and 8 assists. The Pacers converted just 8 of their 38 three-point attempts, and only Pascal Siakam survived, finishing with 36 points and 13 rebounds. His teammates seemed a little nervous regarding this first playoff qualification since 2020.

The Pacers performed better in the third quarter and got back to within 12 points (83-71), but the Bucks went on an 8-0 run at the start of the fourth to regain the lead.

Oklahoma City Thunder – New Orleans Pelicans: 94-92

Oklahoma City leads the series 1-0

Tonight’s thriller. An intense battle between two physical teams that hit each other throughout the match. With many changes in the score for a last minute win for the Thunder. The first in the Western Conference took advantage of a last missed basket by CJ McCollum at the buzzer to achieve this first success (94-92). But it was difficult.

Less proficient than usual on three-pointers (10 of 32), the Thunder players might count on a decisive Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the last minute. The Canadian, author of 28 points, notably scored a basket with the foul to give his team 3 lengths ahead (93-90) while the two teams were tied. He completed the feat with 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Jalen Williams scored 19 points and Chet Holmgren 15 (with 11 rebounds and 5 blocks).

The Pelicans, minus the injured Zion Williamson, lacked skill (38% shooting) as Brandon Ingram was limited to 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting.

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