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NBA: Luka and LBJ direct Lakers' return, OKC crush Memphis once again
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 23.04.25. | 09:38
Elsewhere, Indiana defended the home court against the Bucks and took a 2-0 lead in the series, which now moves to Milwaukee
The Los Angeles Lakers have bounced back. After the first clash of the NBA playoff's first round, in which Minnesota destroyed the California crew, everyone expected a response. And that's exactly what they got!
Luka Doncic and LeBron James took control, combining for 52 points, as the Lakers beat the Timberwolves 94-85 and tied the series, which now moves to Minneapolis. The Slovenian was one assist shy of a triple-double (31 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists), while LBJ didn't shoot well but helped when it mattered most.
On the other hand, Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards combined for 52 points as well (27 and 25, respectively), but that wasn't enough for another break.
Oklahoma once again smashed Memphis at home and showed that this series would probably be the least exciting in the first round of the NBA playoffs. However, unlike the clash from three days ago, when the Thunder ruined the Grizzlies by a 51-point margin, this time it was "only" 19 - 118-99.
Mark Daigneault's crew had an 18-point lead already at the break, making it clear that the visitors from Tennessee stood no chance at Paycom Center. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the leading MVP candidate, led the Thunder with 27 points, helped by Jalen Williams, who poured on 24.
Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant were the most efficient members of the visitors' squad, with 26 and 23 points, respectively.
Finally, Giannis Antetokounmpo's 34 points and 18 rebounds weren't enough for Milwaukee to avoid their second defeat in the series against Indiana (123-115), as the Bucks will have to bounce back at home or be eliminated already in the first playoff round.
The Pacers had as many as six double-digit players, of which Pascal Siakam (24 points and 11 rebounds) and Tyrese Haliburton (21 points and 12 assists) were the most exceptional.
NBA - PLAYOFFS
Western Conference
Wednesday
Oklahoma City Thunder - Memphis Grizzlies 118-99
/Gilgeous-Alexander 27 - Jackson 26/
Oklahoma lead the series 2-0
Los Angeles Lakers - Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85
/Doncic 31 - Randle 27/
Series tied 1-1
Thursday
04:30: (1.75) Houston (12.5) Golden State (2.30)
Golden State lead the series 1-0
Eastern Conference
Wednesday
Indiana Pacers - Milwaukee Bucks 123-115
/Siakam 24 - Antetokounmpo 34/
Indiana lead the series 2-0
Thursday
02:00: (1.22) Boston (16.0) Orlando (5.00)
Boston lead the series 1-0
02:30: (1.15) Cleveland (22.0) Miami (6.00)
Cleveland lead the series 1-0
***odds are subject to change***
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