26.04.2025
Orlando Magic 95 - 93 Boston Celtics
Franz Wagner's 32 points and Paolo Banchero's 29 led the Orlando Magic to a thrilling 95-93 victory over the Boston Celtics, narrowing the Celtics' series lead to 2-1 in the Eastern Conference first-round playoffs. Boston's Jayson Tatum, returning from injury, scored 36 points but saw his team struggle with 3-point shooting, going 9 for 27, including a 17-minute stretch without a 3-pointer in the second half. Despite their impressive road record, the defending champions are now 0-3 in Orlando this season. The game was intensely physical, featuring 43 fouls, a flagrant foul on Cole Anthony, and 35 total turnovers, 21 by the Celtics. Tensions were high with Jaylen Brown dislocating a finger and hinting at potential altercations in Game 4. Although the Celtics pulled ahead early, a 14-0 run led by Wagner and Banchero helped the Magic secure a lead they maintained through a nail-biting finish.
Milwaukee Bucks 117 - 101 Indiana Pacers
In a thrilling Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, the Milwaukee Bucks secured a 117-101 victory over the Indiana Pacers, cutting the Pacers' series lead to 2-1. Key to the Bucks' win was a standout performance from Gary Trent Jr., who tied a franchise playoff record with nine 3-pointers and scored 37 points, matching Giannis Antetokounmpo's 37-point contribution. The Bucks, who overcame a 10-point halftime deficit, dominated the second half, outscoring the Pacers 70-44. Trent was crucial defensively as well, tasked with limiting the impact of Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. Despite a slow start from beyond the arc, the Bucks improved after halftime, going 11 for 18. Notably, Bucks star Damian Lillard struggled, scoring only seven points. Indiana's Pascal Siakam led his team with 28 points, but it wasn’t enough to fend off Milwaukee, who will host Game 4.
Minnesota Timberwolves 116 - 104 Los Angeles Lakers
The Minnesota Timberwolves gained a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference quarterfinal series against the Los Angeles Lakers with a 2-1 series edge after splitting the first two games in Los Angeles. Game 3 saw the Timberwolves return to their home court in Minneapolis, where they were motivated to capitalize on their home-court advantage. Anthony Edwards has been a key player for the Timberwolves, averaging 23.5 points per game, while Luka Doncic leads the Lakers with 34 points per game. Minnesota's coach, Chris Finch, emphasized the importance of focusing on the home game and eliminating mistakes, while Lakers coach LeBron James stressed the need for defensive intensity and improved offensive efficiency. The Timberwolves' performance in Game 1 and consistent double-digit contributions from players like Edwards, Julius Randle, and Jaden McDaniels highlight their strengths, while the Lakers aim to adapt and strategize through film review to reclaim momentum.