The unassuming eight-seeded Heat ousted #1 Milwaukee from playoffs on the Bucks’ home floor. It was just one outcome on a suspenseful Wednesday night in the NBA’s First Round.
Miami Heat 128, Milwaukee Bucks 126: The Heat made history, becoming the sixth eight-seed in NBA history to defeat a one-seed in a playoff series. They are also the first team to come out of the play-in tournament and win a playoff series.
Jimmy Butler had another outstanding performance boasting 42 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
In other action ….
NY Knicks 106, Cleveland Cavaliers 95: The Knicks were able to close out the series on the road, their first playoff series win since 2013. Jalen Brunson was New York’s top performer with 23 points, four rebounds, and four assists. RJ Barrett was not far behind with 21 points and four rebounds. Mitchell Robinson had an impact with 18 rebounds. Donovan Mitchell led all scoring, putting up 28 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Darius Garland had 21 points, two rebounds, and four assists. The Knicks will face the Miami Heat in the second round of playoffs.
Memphis Grizzlies 116, Los Angeles Lakers 99: The Grizzlies shocked the Lakers to force Game 6 in what has turned out to be an exciting series. Desmond Bane led the way with 33 points, ten rebounds, and five assists. Ja Morant put up 31 points, ten rebounds, and seven assists. The only other Grizzly in double figures was Jean Jackson Jr., the NBA’s DPOY, with 18 points and ten rebounds. Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 31 points and 19 rebounds. Anthony Reaves put up 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. LeBron James scored 15, ten rebounds, and five assists. The series will head to Los Angeles on Friday.
GS Warriors 123, Sacramento Kings 116: Despite their struggles away from home this season, Golden State was able to steal a road game. The Warriors took the series lead in this pivotal game five.
Steph Curry surpassed Magic Johnson to rank 15th on the all-time playoff scoring list by putting up 31 points, two rebounds, and eight assists. This stat line also makes Curry the fifth player in NBA history with three straight 30+ point playoff games at age 35 or older.